The person at the center of this case
Patty Inez Brightwell-Vaughan
Missing Person · Open
29 years waiting · since 1996
Missing Person: Patty Inez Brightwell-Vaughan
Justice for Patty Inez Brightwell-Vaughan — the trail went cold in 1996, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1Black purse with keys featuring a small wooden cross key chain was with victim at time of disappearance—has this been recovered?
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evidence
Lead #2Distinctive jewelry including gold shell-design ring, diamond heart pendant necklace, diamond stud earrings, gold watch, wedding band, and possible thumb ring—could aid identification if found
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clue
Lead #3Why was she in La Vernia on Christmas evening and who was she with during the 2.5-hour window when she was last seen?
Patty Inez Brightwell-Vaughan, a 32-year-old woman, disappeared on Christmas Day 1996 in La Vernia, Texas, last seen between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM. Nearly 30 years later, her fate remains unknown despite the investigation by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Anyone with information about her disappearance or whereabouts is urged to contact authorities.
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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.
⏰
timeline
Lead #4The 2.5-hour window of last sighting (6:30-9:00 PM) is relatively broad—can this timeframe be narrowed through witness statements?
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 MP48. Missing person: Patty Inez Brightwell-Vaughan.
Last known contact: 1996-12-25 in La Vernia, Wilson, TX. Circumstances: Vaughan was last seen between 6:30 P.M.
- 9:00 P.M. Demographics: 32 years, Female, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 4 in, 120 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Green. Clothing and accessories: Accessories: a black purse containing keys with a small wooden "cross" key chain.; Clothing: Black pants, a cream colored blouse;; Jewelry: Gold ring with a "shell" design on right hand, necklace with a diamond "heart" pendant, diamond stud earrings, and a gold watch a wedding band, and possibly a thumb ring..
Investigating agency: Bexar County Sheriff's Office | 96-66916.
Timeline of Events
👁️
1996-12-25
18:30-21:00Last Seen
Patty Inez Brightwell-Vaughan was last seen between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM in La Vernia, Wilson County, Texas on Christmas Day 1996.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:December 25, 1996 at 3:30 PM
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2103356000
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Case Information
Incident:December 25, 1996 at 3:30 PM
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2103356000
You can remain anonymous