Theola Polk, a 71-year-old woman from Oakland, California, was last seen at her residence in the 1100 block of 64th Avenue on July 6, 2019. Concerns for her welfare grew after family members were unable to contact her for several days, which was out of character for her. She was officially reported missing on July 11, 2019, after her loved ones went to her home and found no one there. Polk, who lived alone, suffered from high blood pressure and other medical conditions, which made her disappearance particularly concerning.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered unsettling evidence within Polk's apartment. Several items were found to be bloodstained, and bedding and pillows were missing. Adding to the suspicious circumstances, her purse and keys were left behind on her bed, items she reportedly never left her home without. This discovery shifted the focus of the investigation, suggesting foul play was involved in her disappearance. An extensive search for Polk was launched, with investigators examining areas near her home, including railroad tracks and landfills, and utilizing cadaver dogs, but she has not been found.
The case took a significant turn later in July 2019 when Polk's 33-year-old grandson, Maurice C. Washington Jr., was arrested and charged with her murder. The charges included the special circumstance of murder for financial gain, as authorities believe Washington stole his grandmother's credit cards and attempted to use them after she vanished. Washington was initially arrested on an unrelated misdemeanor drug charge on July 14. During interviews with investigators, he made multiple statements indicating that his grandmother was deceased and admitted his involvement in her death, though he has not cooperated in locating her body.
Further investigation revealed that family members were afraid of Washington, who had a prior record for assault on another relative. One relative reported seeing Washington on July 9 with scratches on his face and blood on his hands, neck, and clothing, and he appeared to be intoxicated. In October 2019, Maurice C. Washington Jr. was found mentally incompetent to stand trial for his grandmother's murder and was ordered to be placed in a secure psychiatric hospital for treatment with the aim of restoring his competency. Theola Polk's body has not been recovered.
Last Seen: Jul 06, 2019
