The person at the center of this case
Ella Murray
Missing Person · Open
29 years waiting · since 1997
Missing Person: Ella Murray
Justice for Ella Murray — the trail went cold in 1997, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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witness
Lead #1Was the Walmart sighting verified? Who reported seeing her and what was she doing?
💡
clue
Lead #2Given her memory problems and confusion, did she have any regular destinations or routines she might have traveled to?
🔍
evidence
Lead #3What efforts were made to search the area around Gordonville and Bartow in the days following her disappearance?
Ella Murray, an 80-year-old woman experiencing memory problems and confusion, was reported missing from her Gordonville residence in Bartow, Florida on August 22, 1997. She was last confirmed in contact on that date, though an unconfirmed sighting placed her at a local Walmart the following day. Nearly three decades later, her whereabouts remain unknown and investigators continue to seek information about her disappearance.
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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.
👤
person
Lead #4Are there family members or associates who might have additional information about her condition or possible whereabouts?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP5676. Missing person: Ella Murray.
Last known contact: 1997-08-22 in Bartow, Polk, FL. Circumstances: Ms.
Murray was reported missing from her Gordonville residence by her roommate on the morning of 08-22-97. At the time of her disappearance, she was experiencing memory problems and confusion.
There was an unconfirmed sighting of her at the Bartow Wal-Mart on the day after her disappearance. Demographics: 80 years, Female, Black / African American.
Physical description: 5 ft 0 in, 120 lbs, hair: Gray or Partially Gray, eyes: Brown. Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Lavender pants with a red and white shirt.
Investigating agency: Polk County Sheriff's Office | 97-133781.
Timeline of Events
👤
1997-08-22
Reported Missing
Ella Murray reported missing from her Gordonville residence by her roommate on the morning of August 22, 1997
👥
1997-08-23
Unconfirmed Sighting
Unconfirmed sighting of Ella Murray at Bartow Walmart on August 23, 1997, the day after her disappearance
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 22, 1997
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Phone: 8632986834
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Case Information
Incident:August 22, 1997
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8632986834
You can remain anonymous