In the quiet community of Tyler, Texas, the story of 34-year-old Courtney Taylor Martin's disappearance began on May 16, 2023. On that Tuesday, Courtney made a phone call to her mother, asking for a ride from the intersection of County Road 42 and Highway 110 North, a location less than two miles from her home. Her mother reportedly arrived within minutes, but Courtney was nowhere to be found. That phone call was the last time anyone in her family heard from her.
She was seen earlier that day getting out of a vehicle with a man near FM 724 and CR 42. Typically, she carried a black floral backpack and wore a black ball cap. She had several distinguishing features, including a nose stud, a scar on her shoulder, and a tattoo of the letters "CM" on her shoulder.
For over two years, Courtney's family and the Smith County Sheriff's Office searched for answers. The case grew cold, with investigators stating they had exhausted all leads. Foul play was suspected in her disappearance, with authorities noting that a man Courtney had recently befriended had left Texas shortly after she went missing. The investigation took a significant turn in July 2025 when a person fishing on private property in New Harmony discovered a backpack. The backpack was identified as belonging to Courtney, prompting the sheriff's office to request a dive team from the Texas Department of Public Safety to search a nearby pond.
The search of the pond was delayed due to the dive team's involvement in flood victim recovery efforts in another county. However, on August 26, 2025, the dive team commenced their search and, within about an hour, discovered human remains in the water, approximately 100 yards from where her backpack was found. The remains were described as mostly skeletal. The Smith County Sheriff's Office later confirmed, through dental records provided by her family, that the remains were those of Courtney Taylor Martin. The official confirmation brought a tragic end to the long search for the missing woman. The investigation into her death is ongoing, as authorities continue to seek answers and determine the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking conclusion.Last Seen: May 16, 2023
