Amy Wroe Bechtel, a 24-year-old athlete, disappeared on July 24, 1997, near Lander, Wyoming. On the day of her disappearance, Amy had a busy schedule that included running errands and preparing for an upcoming 10K race. After being seen at a local photo shop around 2:30 p.m., she is believed to have driven to Shoshone National Forest to check the race route. That evening, her husband, Steve Bechtel, returned home after rock climbing but grew concerned when Amy didn’t come back.
A search for Amy began shortly after, and her white Toyota station wagon was found abandoned on a remote road near her intended running route. Inside the car were her keys, sunglasses, and a to-do list, but her wallet was missing. Despite an extensive search, no trace of Amy has ever been found. Investigators initially explored several theories, including an animal attack or an accident, but the case later shifted toward possible foul play.
Steve Bechtel became a person of interest in the investigation, though he was never charged. Some of his personal writings raised suspicions, but he denied any involvement in his wife’s disappearance and has consistently maintained his innocence. Additionally, serial killer Dale Wayne Eaton was also considered a suspect due to his criminal history and presence in the area around the time Amy went missing, though no conclusive evidence has been found to link him to her case.
Despite years of investigation and numerous leads, Amy's disappearance remains unsolved, leaving her family and the community with lingering questions about what happened that day in the Wind River Mountains.Last Seen: Jul 24, 1997
