Donna Gail Hatfield, a 72-year-old woman, was last seen on May 25, 2019, at her home in Boonville, Indiana, where she lived with her son, Thomas Rainey Jr.. A friend reported seeing her at her residence on that day.. At the time of her disappearance, Hatfield was living with Alzheimer's disease and required medication.. Her family grew concerned after being unable to contact her for several months.. The situation became alarming when her son provided conflicting stories about her whereabouts. In August 2019, Rainey informed his father that his mother had suffered an aneurysm and passed away in a hospital.. However, when Hatfield's daughters contacted area hospitals, they found no record of her admission or death..
The accounts of what happened to Donna Hatfield varied significantly depending on who her son was speaking to. He allegedly told neighbors that his mother had been placed in a nursing home, while telling others she had passed away in June.. To Hatfield's daughter, Rachel Arnold, Rainey initially claimed their mother was deceased, but then changed his story, stating she was alive and had left with an old friend, taking a suitcase and a large sum of money.. He claimed his mother wished to be left alone.. Later, he reportedly told his sister he did not know where their mother was.. When questioned by a local news reporter in August 2019, Rainey asserted that his mother was not missing and was being cared for, although she was not at home.. Investigators noted that all of Donna's personal belongings, including her identification, clothing, and essential medications, were left behind at her house..
The investigation into Donna Hatfield's disappearance has been complex and ongoing. Her son, Thomas Rainey Jr., has been named a person of interest in the case.. Authorities have stated that there is no evidence to suggest she is still alive.. The Boonville Police Department, with assistance from the Indiana State Police and eventually the FBI, has pursued various leads, including searching lakes, but have been unable to locate her.. In August 2023, Rainey was arrested on felony charges of forgery and fraud for allegedly selling his mother's car and forging her signature.. The case remains unsolved, leaving her family searching for answers and the hope of giving her a proper burial.. The conflicting narratives provided by her son, coupled with the fact that she has not been seen or heard from since May 2019, create a deeply concerning overview of the case.
Last Seen: May 25, 2019
