Anita Scott, a 58-year-old Caucasian woman, was last seen on the evening of February 20, 2003, departing her residence on Sycamore Mills Road in Upper Providence Township, Pennsylvania. After dinner, she informed her husband and son that she was going out but did not specify her destination or expected return time. She left in her silver 1986 Volkswagen Golf, bearing Pennsylvania license plate EGA-7600, and was never heard from again.
Her husband reported her missing two days later, citing previous instances where she had left without notice but always returned within a day. However, her family disputed these claims, stating they were unaware of any such prior disappearances.
Approximately five days after her disappearance, Anita's vehicle was discovered parked at a metered spot on 22nd Street near Market Street in downtown Philadelphia. The car had been ticketed multiple times before being towed on February 25, 2003. Inside the vehicle, authorities found her eyeglasses, purse, and checkbook, but her wallet was missing. Notably, the car was located near her late uncle's former residence, from whom she had inherited several million dollars. Despite her wealth, Anita led a modest lifestyle and typically carried only a small amount of cash and a few credit cards.
Anita was a trained lawyer and a graduate of Temple Law School, though she had not practiced law for several years prior to her disappearance. She was a devout Catholic who attended Mass regularly and was known for her reserved and private nature. At the time of her disappearance, her son was a high school senior preparing for college. Her husband, Ridgeley Scott, a tax attorney and educator, cooperated fully with the investigation, which included assistance from the FBI. Despite extensive efforts, no evidence of foul play was found, and her case remains classified as a missing person investigation.
In 2005, a potential lead emerged when the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office in Georgia discovered the decomposed remains of a woman matching Anita's general description, including evidence of cosmetic surgery. A composite sketch bore a strong resemblance to Anita, prompting a request for DNA samples from Delaware County authorities. However, there was a delay in providing the appropriate DNA sample, and when a sample from her son was eventually submitted, it did not match the remains. This development added to the family's frustration over the handling of the case.
As of now, there have been no arrests or identified suspects in connection with Anita Scott's disappearance. The investigation remains open, with authorities continuing to seek information that could shed light on her whereabouts. Her family and friends continue to hope for answers in this enduring mystery.
