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Karol Sullens Missing Person Case

Last seen in Galena, Kansas on Aug 31, 1991

Victim Details

Dec 12, 2008

Sep 13, 2022

Karol

Sullens

53

18

62 inches

90 lbs

White / Caucasian

Female

Aug 31, 1991

Galena

Kansas

Cherokee County

30625

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Columbus

Kansas

,

91-0806

Sep 6, 1991

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

4430

Blond/Strawberry

Green

Green

Sep 20, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP386) and 9 other sources
Karol Marlene Sullens, an 18-year-old woman, was last seen on the night of August 31, 1991, outside the Valley of the Dolls nightclub in Galena, Kansas, where she worked as an exotic dancer. During a break, Karol was spotted talking to an unidentified man near a dark-colored pickup truck with a camper shell. Shortly afterward, she disappeared, leaving her purse and other personal belongings behind inside the club. She has not been seen since.

Authorities initially believed that Karol died from a drug overdose that night and that her body may have been hidden by individuals involved with drugs. In 2001, two men, Donald Kidwell and Donald Davis, were charged in connection to her case. According to Davis, Karol had passed out in their vehicle, and Kidwell carried her into a wooded area, after which Kidwell returned without her. Despite extensive searches in Kansas and Oklahoma, including investigations in abandoned mine shafts, her body was never found.

Kidwell later pleaded guilty to battery and obstruction of official duty in relation to the case, though he denied intending to cause Karol's death. Investigators continue to search for her remains, and various theories exist about where she might be buried. Despite the legal proceedings, Karol’s disappearance remains a mystery.
Last Seen: Aug 31, 1991

Links to Additional Sources (9)

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  • Karol Sullens Missing 31 years | Family | koamnewsnow.com
  • Karol Marlene Sullens - The Charley Project
  • Missing Person / NamUs
  • Friend of Karol Sullens speaks on the 29th anniversary of her ...
  • Missing in Kansas | kake.com
  • Karol Marlene Sullens Memorial Page - Facebook
  • Missing in Kansas: Karol Sullens | By Missing in KansasFacebook
  • After 30 years
  • Remembering Karol Sullens (12-21-2022) - YouTube

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    75%Possible
    Jane Doe — Missouri
    UP10493 • Found Jul 1, 1995
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 15–18 vs 18 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 67%138 mi away
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'1" vs 5'2"

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

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    Forum Posts (3)

    Has anyone else noticed how strange it is that despite all the searches, Karol’s body was never... ...Read More
    11/24/2024
    I've been thinking a lot about the case of Karol Marlene Sullens lately. Does anyone else find it... ...Read More
    05/28/2024
    Has anyone dug deeper into the background of Kidwell and Davis? I keep wondering about their pasts... ...Read More
    02/13/2024

    Other Missing Cases from Galena, Kansas

    Karol Marlene Sullens missing person case in Galena, Kansas

    Karol Marlene Sullens

    Missing: Aug 31, 1991
    On the evening of August 31, 1991, 18-year-old Karol Marlene Sullens was at her job as an exotic ...Read More