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Catherine Ann Hammel

The person at the center of this case

Catherine Ann Hammel

Case
#1833
SourceNamus MissingUpdated Jun 1, 2026
Houston Police Department
Missing Person · Open
28 years waiting · since 1998

Missing Person: Catherine Ann Hammel

Justice for Catherine Ann Hammel — the trail went cold in 1998, but the truth hasn't.

Start here

Key leads to think about

⏰
timeline
Lead #1

What happened during the three-hour window between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. when Hammel was alone in her apartment?

👁️
witness
Lead #2

Did anyone see Hammel leave her apartment or observe any suspicious activity at the residence that afternoon?

👤
person
Lead #3

What was the relationship status and circumstances with her boyfriend, who was the last confirmed person to see her?

Catherine Ann Hammel, a 28-year-old woman, disappeared from her apartment in Houston, Texas on March 23, 1998, between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. after being dropped off by a coworker from 24-Hour Fitness. Her boyfriend was the last person to see her alive at 3:00 p.m., and when he returned three hours later, she had vanished without a trace. Despite nearly three decades of investigation, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unknown, and authorities continue to seek information from anyone who may have seen her or have details about that day.

Case
#1833
SourceNamus MissingUpdated Jun 1, 2026
Houston Police Department

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More leads to consider

Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.

🔍
evidence
Lead #4

Were there signs of forced entry, struggle, or any personal items missing from the apartment?

📞
contact
Lead #5

Had Hammel made any phone calls or received any visitors or communications in the hours before she disappeared?

Have information about any of these leads?

Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.

Official wording

Source Narrative

NamUs case MP7643. Missing person: Catherine Ann Hammel.

Last known contact: 1998-03-23 in Houston, Harris, TX. Circumstances: Hammel left her place of employment, 24-Hour Fitness, in Houston, Texas on March 23, 1998.

A co-worker dropped Hammel off at her apartment in the 1200 block of Wilcrest at approximately 2:00 p.m. Hammel's boyfriend saw her at her residence one hour later at 3:00 p.m.

He left the apartment and returned at approximately 6:00 p.m., by which time Hammel disappeared. She has never been seen again.

Demographics: 28 years, Female, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 3 in, 120 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.

Clothing and accessories: Accessories: Black purse; Clothing: Last seen wearing a purple "24-Hour Fitness" t-shirt and gym shorts; Footwear: White tennis shoes; Jewelry: earrings (unknown description) Letter "C" Ring. Investigating agency: Houston Police Department | 36946798-B.

Timeline of Events

👁️
1998-03-23
14:00

Last seen at apartment

Coworker dropped Hammel off at her apartment in the 1200 block of Wilcrest at approximately 2:00 p.m. Boyfriend saw her at residence at 3:00 p.m.

👤
1998-03-23
18:00

Disappearance discovered

Boyfriend returned to apartment at approximately 6:00 p.m. and found Hammel missing. She has never been seen again.

Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case

Case Information

Incident:March 23, 1998 at 2:00 PM
Last Updated:June 4, 2026

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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.

Phone: 8323941840
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Case Information

Incident:March 23, 1998 at 2:00 PM
Last Updated:June 4, 2026

Have Information?

Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.

Phone: 8323941840
You can remain anonymous