Case Details

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This person was missing Missing Since 05/29/2006

Missing Since:

Missing Since 05/29/2006

Missing From:

Missing From Pittston, Pennsylvania

Classification:

Classification Endangered Missing

Gender:

Female

Race:

Race White

Date of Birth:

Date of Birth 05/24/1962 (62)

Age:

Age 44 years old

Height and Weight:

Height and Weight 5’1 – 5’3, 110 – 115 pounds

Clothing/Jewelry Description:

Clothing/Jewelry Description A powder-blue cotton t-shirt, blue denim capri pants with rhinestones on the back pockets, sneakers or brown leather sandals, a watch on her left wrist, and lots of 14k gold jewelry, including hoop earrings, gold bracelets and gold chain necklaces. Carrying a pink purse.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian female. Blonde hair, brown/green eyes. Rafte has an appendectomy scar on her abdomen, and her ears and navel are pierced. She has cowlicks in her hair at the crown and in the front, in her bangs. Her nickname is Shelly and her maiden name is Conrad. Rafte wears heavy makeup, particularly to emphasize her eyes; she wears eyeliner, thick mascara and green or brown eyeshadow. She wears long acrylic fingernails in a French manicure style and keeps her toenails cut short and square, but paints them to match her fingernails. She also wears eyeglasses for reading.

Details of Disappearance:

On May 28, 2006, Rafte went to her daughter’s graduation party in Nicholson, Pennsylvania. She was with her boyfriend, John Para, and they argued before leaving together around 10:30 PM.

Para said they argued again at his place in Pittston, about a mile from Rafte’s home, and she walked home alone after 1 AM on May 29th. She was last seen near Market and River Streets in Pittston. She’s never been seen or heard from again.

When police checked Rafte’s house, everything seemed normal: the TV was on, doors locked, her car was there, and even her tax refund check was in the mailbox. She had a stressful life but was close to her family, especially her six older sisters. Her oldest sister said Rafte’s relationship with Para was troubled, and Rafte had warned her, “If anything happens to me, look at John. Because I know too much.”

Rafte worked at a truck stop and knew many truck drivers. Her daughter thinks she might have gotten a ride with one and left the state. Rafte’s purse is also missing.

While her disappearance is suspicious, there’s no proof of foul play, and Para isn’t considered a suspect. The case remains unsolved. Rafte left behind four children.

Agency:

Pittston City Police Department 570-654-2424

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