Cheryl Coker, a 33-year-old white female from Riverside, Ohio, was reported missing on October 2, 2018, after she dropped her teenage daughter off at school. That morning, she returned to the home she shared with her estranged husband, logged onto Facebook, and then vanished. Her SUV was later found abandoned in a strip mall parking lot, with her phone and personal belongings locked inside. The sudden disappearance of Cheryl, a mother of two and grandmother, sparked widespread concern and a high-profile investigation.
Cheryl had recently filed for divorce from her husband, William “Bill” Coker, after nearly 19 years of marriage. Friends described Cheryl as outgoing and warm, while Bill was seen as reserved. Their relationship had been strained for years, with allegations of infidelity and unconventional arrangements, including swinging. Cheryl reportedly became distressed when Bill developed a deeper connection with another woman, which ultimately led her to seek a divorce.
Four months after Cheryl's disappearance, a mushroom hunter discovered skeletal remains in a rural area of Greene County, Ohio. Authorities confirmed the remains belonged to Cheryl Coker. The cause of death was determined to be “homicidal violence,” though specific details were not publicly disclosed. Despite the identification of her remains, no arrests have been made in connection with her death.
Riverside police named Cheryl's husband, Bill Coker, as the primary suspect early in the investigation. He denied any involvement and has never been formally charged. In 2024, the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office declined to file charges, citing insufficient evidence. Cheryl's family, particularly her sister, has expressed ongoing frustration and heartbreak over the lack of legal resolution, while continuing to hope for justice. The case remains open and under investigation.
