Case Details

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This person was missing Missing Since 09/13/2006

Missing Since:

Missing Since 09/13/2006

Missing From:

Missing From Lakeland, Florida

Classification:

Classification Endangered Missing

Gender:

Female

Race:

Race White

Date of Birth:

Date of Birth 03/21/1973 (51)

Age:

Age 33 years old

Height and Weight:

Height and Weight 5’2, 225 pounds

Clothing/Jewelry Description:

Clothing/Jewelry Description A purple shirt with images of dogs on it, red sweatpants with paint stains, and flip-flops.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian female. Brown hair, hazel eyes. Traub has a tattoo of a dolphin with seven hearts on her right calf. She may use the last name Niles.

Details of Disappearance:

In September 2006, Kimberly Traub disappeared from Lakeland, Florida. Her stepfather, Roy Ballard, said he dropped her off at a Walgreens, but she was never seen again. Traub left behind a husband and daughter.

Ballard was angry because Traub had taken her daughter back after being released from jail; he and Traub’s mother had cared for the girl while Traub was incarcerated. He wanted custody of the girl but Traub refused. After Traub disappeared, her daughter accused Ballard of molesting her.

Police found Traub’s blood in Ballard’s car, along with items like duct tape, gloves, and a shovel. Ballard’s explanation for the shovel didn’t match the dirt on it. His own blood was also in the car, and he’d bought a steel pipe and more duct tape days before Traub vanished. These items likely were used to kidnap and kill Traub.

At trial, Traub’s daughter testified against Ballard, saying he’d abused her. A cellmate said Ballard confessed to the murder. Ballard claimed he was innocent, but he was convicted and initially sentenced to death. This was later changed to life in prison without parole. Traub’s body has never been found. Police believe Ballard killed her because of the custody dispute.

Agency:

Lakeland Police Department 863-834-6900

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