Authorities in Pima County, Arizona, are investigating the disappearance of an elderly woman as a potential crime after discovering evidence of a break-in at her residence.
The woman was last seen by neighbors at her home in the Catalina Foothills on the evening of January 30. She was reported missing the following day. When investigators arrived, they found her personal belongings, including her phone, wallet, and vehicle, still inside the house.
While the home’s front door was reportedly unlocked, law enforcement officials stated they found clear signs of forced entry, leading them to treat the location as a crime scene. The sheriff’s office has indicated that due to the individual’s limited mobility, it is unlikely she left the premises voluntarily.
“We believe we have a crime scene and we have a crime,” a law enforcement official stated during a press briefing, appealing to the public for assistance. “We found concerning evidence and are asking for the community’s help.”
Neighbors described the missing woman as a friendly and engaged member of the community who was in good spirits shortly before her disappearance. They expressed profound shock and concern over the incident.
A complicating factor in the search is the woman’s need for critical medication, which she does not have with her, raising additional urgency for her swift and safe recovery.
The investigation remains active.