Denise Abigail Vasseur, 31, was last seen on September 22, 2000, when she left her home in Oceanside, California. She was heading to her job as an animal keeper at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, planning to attend an overnight work event, and was carrying an overnight bag and a sleeping bag. Her husband, Charles Vasseur, last saw her at around 5 a.m. that day. When Denise didn’t return home or show up at work, her husband reported her missing.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Denise had been involved in an affair with her co-worker, Patrick Hamilton. Authorities learned that she had planned to end the relationship that day. Patrick admitted to killing Denise after an argument when she tried to leave. He claimed he accidentally strangled her and later buried her body in the Anza-Borrego Desert. Despite leading authorities to various locations, Denise's remains were never found.
Hamilton was arrested shortly after Denise’s disappearance and, in 2001, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. Despite his conviction, the search for Denise’s body has been unsuccessful, and her remains remain undiscovered to this day.Last Seen: Sep 22, 2000
