UNSOLVED, STILL OPEN: Seven years later, no new leads in disappearance of Suzie Escobedo

Crime Stoppers offering up to $1,000 reward for information

SEADRIFT — It’s been seven years since Suzanna “Suzie” Escobedo vanished from her home in Seadrift, and despite efforts by local authorities and the Texas Rangers, the case remains unsolved.

Escobedo, 25, at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing on Aug. 2, 2018, after family members and her husband became concerned when they couldn’t reach her. Her 4-month-old son was found alone in the house, along with her phone and vehicle, but there was no trace of Escobedo.

Years of searches—including ground efforts by Texas EquuSearch and analysis by a forensic scientist from Louisiana State University—yielded no results. In recent years, the Texas Rangers Cold Case Unit has reviewed the file, but no new leads have emerged.

Johnny Krause, the former chief deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, kept Escobedo’s photo pinned inside his file cabinet during his tenure as a daily reminder of the case’s urgency. Krause is no longer with the department, but the case remains active.

“There’s always hope, but we need someone to come forward,” Calhoun County Sheriff Bobbie Vickery said in an earlier interview. “We believe someone out there knows something. Even the smallest piece of information could help.”

Early in the investigation, some individuals who initially agreed to speak with law enforcement later declined or requested legal counsel, stalling efforts to gain critical insight.

Calhoun County Crime Stoppers is hoping a financial incentive may bring someone forward. The organization is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that could lead to Escobedo’s whereabouts or the arrest of anyone involved in her disappearance. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 361-552-CASH (361-552-2274).

Authorities urge anyone who may have information—no matter how small—to come forward.

“We’re going to continue until she’s found or we are all long retired,” Vickery said. “We can’t force people to talk, but if you know something, how can you live with yourself without saying something that might bring closure to this case?” 

All calls remain anonymous. Up to $1,000 reward offered.