Missing From: Martins Ferry, Ohio
Missing since: October 2, 2006
Age at Disappearance: 24
Height: 5′ 4″
Weight: 160
Hair: Red
Eyes: Blue
Distinguishing Characteristics: Scars, Marks, Tattoos: Caucasian female.
Details of Disappearance: Kristen moved from Wheeling, West Virginia to Martins Ferry, Ohio in late September 2006 to get away from her husband of three years, James, who was controlling and abusive. She took her two young sons and temporarily moved in with a friend at JayCee Manor Apartments.
At 1:00 a.m. on October 1, James came to her the apartment and asked Kristen to return home. The couple argued and Kristen’s friend heard her say, “Don’t hit me.” When her friend woke up, Kristen was gone and so was her cellular phone, but she left her purse, wallet and cigarettes behind.
Surveillance footage subsequently showed James carrying her body out of the apartment and put it in the trunk of his car. James subsequently told a friend he had killed Kristen. James took his own life when he found out about the surveillance video. He left a note saying Kristen’s body would never be found. In his dryer, police found a blanket and gloves with briars and burrs stuck to them. Foul play is suspected in Kristen’s case due to the circumstances involved.
Investigative Agency: Martins Ferry Police Department 740-633-2121
If you have any information on this case, please contact CUE Center for Missing Persons at (910) 343-1131 or call the CUE Center 24-hour tip line at (910) 232-1687. All information submitted to CUE Center for Missing Persons is confidential.