In 2004, This Tennessee Teen Vanished After She Left For Spring Break And Never Arrived At Her Destination
In 2004, a 16-year-old named Amber Cates from Maury County, Tennessee was supposed to celebrate Spring Break with some family members and friends.
But, after she left her mother’s house on Sunday, April 11, 2004, she never arrived at her destination.
That day, Amber was picked up from her home– located in the 2300 block of Tracy Lane– by a friend named James, who drove a gold Mazda. She was only supposed to be gone for two days.
When questioned later, though, James claimed to have left Amber with a different male friend– Ronald. He also alleged that the pair planned to get food at a Waffle House located on James Campbell Boulevard.
By the time investigators located Ronald, he was found at an Alabama federal prison. He claimed to have dropped Amber off at a Columbia, Tennessee, garage with an unknown male.
Ronald also alleged this happened after Amber purchased hair dye and said he did not know what transpired afterward.
Amber was originally born in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and lived in various states throughout her life prior to returning to Tennessee and living in a foster home.
According to Amber’s half-sister, Brenda, she had also become acquainted with the wrong crowd. Just a few days before the teen went missing, Brenda also became her legal guardian.
Then, following Amber’s disappearance, her case was deemed a runaway. As time passed, though, investigators also considered other possibilities that may have led to her disappearance.
Facebook – pictured above is Amber
Amber’s social security number has not been used since 2004. Her cell phone has also gone unused since before her disappearance, and there have been no reported driving infractions.
According to FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Foster, the bureau has not stopped looking for the missing teen since locating Ronald in Alabama.
“We’ve been searching for Amber, looking for tips and somebody to tell us if they were close to her. Or if they came close to someone later on who became aware of what happened to her,” Foster said.
“We want to hear from those folks, and our partners with Maruy County Sheriff’s Office want to hear from them, too. If we can’t bring a loved one home safely, we at least want to bring some peace to that family.”
Amber’s loved ones also created a Facebook group entitled “Bring Amber Elizabeth Cates Home” in hopes of raising awareness about the case.
At the time of her disappearance, Amber was five foot five, weighed 100 pounds, and had blonde hair and hazel eyes. She would be 35 years old today.
If you have any information regarding Amber’s disappearance or whereabouts, you are urged to contact the Maury County Sheriff’s Department at (931) 380-5733.
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