The person at the center of this case
Beth Ann Ricketts
Missing Person · Open
28 years waiting · since 1997
Missing Person: Beth Ann Ricketts
Justice for Beth Ann Ricketts — the trail went cold in 1997, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
👁️
witness
Lead #1Who saw Beth Ann Ricketts on December 22, 1997, and what were the circumstances of that final sighting?
💡
clue
Lead #2What was Beth's intended destination or plans for that day?
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evidence
Lead #3Has the medium-sized black purse she was carrying ever been recovered?
Beth Ann Ricketts, a 31-year-old woman, was reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department on December 22, 1997, while in Des Moines, Iowa. She was last seen wearing black pants, a white shirt, a zebra belt, and a black leather blazer, carrying a medium-sized black purse. Nearly three decades later, the circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear, and investigators continue to seek information from anyone who may have encountered her or have details about that day.
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP17248. Missing person: Beth Ann Ricketts.
Last known contact: 1997-12-22 in Des Moines, Polk, IA. Circumstances: Beth Ricketts was reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department, in Des Moines on December 22, 1997.
Demographics: 31 years, Female, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 8 in, 120 lbs, hair: Blond/Strawberry, eyes: Blue.
Clothing and accessories: Accessories: She was carrying a medium-sized black purse.; Clothing: She was last seen wearing black pants, a white shirt, a zebra belt and a black leather blazer.. Investigating agency: Des Moines Police Department | 1997-57018.
Timeline of Events
👁️
1997-12-22
Last Known Contact
Beth Ann Ricketts was last known to be in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa on December 22, 1997. She was wearing black pants, a white shirt, a zebra belt, and a black leather blazer, and carrying a medium-sized black purse.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:December 22, 1997
Last Updated:July 9, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
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Case Information
Incident:December 22, 1997
Last Updated:July 9, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5152834864
You can remain anonymous