Before the date, Markham called her boyfriend, Archie, to say a drinking buddy had unexpectedly shown up at her house. Archie said he’d still come over. When he arrived, both Markham and her acquaintance were gone, but her car was in the garage with her new medicine inside. This was very unusual for her; she always kept in touch with family and friends.

The next day, when she didn’t show up for a family party in Tampa, Archie called her family and the police. Her purse was later found miles away in Jacksonville, but her wallet and ID were still inside.

The purse was near where a man named Ross Lane Emerson lived – in an old train car. Emerson was later arrested for other murders. Police talked to him about Markham’s disappearance, but he denied involvement and later killed himself in jail. His suicide note also claimed innocence. Police and Markham’s family believe him.

Markham worked as a dispatcher. She had three grown children and grandchildren. She was happy and healthy before she vanished. The police suspect foul play but her case remains unsolved.