Antonia "Toni" Padilla, a 58-year-old woman from Silver City, New Mexico, was last seen on July 3, 2020. That afternoon, at approximately 1 p.m., she arrived at a friend's home on Broken Arrow Drive, located in the Silver Acres neighborhood, just north of the Silver City Wastewater Treatment Plant. Two hours later, around 3 p.m., she reportedly left the residence alone and on foot.
She was wearing a blue sundress-style shirt with spaghetti straps, black capri leggings featuring an image of Marilyn Monroe and a red rose, and flip-flops. She was also carrying a gray purse. Padilla has several distinct tattoos, including a rose on her left hand, the names "Jessica" and "Jasmine" on her left arm, the name "Katrina" on her right arm, and a small birthmark above her right inner eyebrow.
Padilla's family, with whom she was very close, reported her missing on July 5, 2020, two days after she was last seen. Her family has stated that it was highly uncharacteristic of her to be out of contact, and they quickly came to believe that something had happened to her. She did not drive and relied on family members for transportation. The Silver City Police Department initiated an investigation, and due to the circumstances, foul play was suspected in her disappearance. The investigation has involved assistance from the FBI to analyze her phone records. The last ping from her cell phone was at her own residence on Swan and 10th streets, though it is unclear if this was before or after she went to her friend's house. The family has offered a $1,500 reward for information that leads to finding her.
Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement has followed up on numerous tips and leads. Searches have been conducted in various areas, including around the sewage treatment plant and along the highway towards Lordsburg, utilizing search dogs, drones, and ATVs. In March 2021, an unknown individual began removing missing person flyers, falsely claiming she had been found, which caused further distress to her family who then had to create and distribute new posters. While there have been search warrants executed and at least one arrest made based on circumstantial evidence, no one has been officially charged in connection with her disappearance. The case of Antonia Padilla remains an active and ongoing investigation, with her family continuing to hold out hope for answers and closure.Last Seen: Jul 3, 2020
