Susan Bender Missing: The Disappearance Of A Young Girl

May 2024 · 3 minute read

The Susan Bender missing case was highlighted on August 25, 1985. It revolves around a young girl whose vanishing act defies comprehension. 

Over the years, the case has become increasingly confusing, making people curious about what happened to Susan. 

People are working hard to find answers, hoping that someday they will know the truth about why Susan disappeared. 

Right from when she went missing, many strange things happened, creating a story full of questions, investigations, and the search for justice.

The details of Susan Bender missing case 

A 15-year-old Susan Bender disappeared from the world, leaving everyone shocked. 

Her plan for a simple bus trip transformed into a puzzling enigma that would last for many years. 

It all started on April 25, 1985, at the Modesto Greyhound bus depot.

That day, Susan was spotted getting into a green van, unaware that this innocent act would lead to her mysterious disappearance.

A mysterious disappearance of Bender 

Susan talked to her friend and then used a payphone at the bus station. About ten minutes later, a green van came.

In a confusing event, Susan got into the van alone without showing any signs of being in trouble.

 This strange situation became necessary for the investigation, leaving many questions unanswered for a long time.

A Mother’s concern

Susan’s mother, Pat Bender, eagerly anticipated her daughter’s return from her coastal adventure. 

Unbeknownst to her, the days would turn into weeks without any word from Susan. Concern soon turned to worry and worry to panic. 

By May 1, 1985, Pat Bender reported Susan missing. The community rallied together in the search for the young girl, hoping for her safe return.

A trail of evidence

As the investigation deepened, detectives uncovered alarming evidence suggesting foul play in Susan Bender’s missing case.

 A male person of interest was scrutinized when he was found possessing Susan’s diary, phone book, and clothing.

 While questioned, the lack of a body made it challenging to hold the individual on any charges. The case underscored the difficulties in pursuing justice without concrete evidence.

Raymond Lewis Stafford’s Arrest

Recently, the Modesto Police Department announced the arrest of Raymond Lewis Stafford in connection with the Susan Bender missing case.

Detectives had obtained an arrest warrant for Stafford earlier in August, and he was taken into custody by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Department in Texas. 

Stafford now faces charges of murder with particular circumstances. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a case that had long gone cold.

Stafford’s criminal history

As per Raymond Lewis Stafford, the layers of his criminal history come to light. Stafford, also known under the alias Gregg Tunningley, is a registered s*x offender. 

The Texas Public s*x Offender Registry reveals that he had to register as a s*x offender after being accused of abusing a 13-year-old girl in California in 1994.

The discovery raises questions about the depths of Stafford’s criminal activities and his potential involvement in Susan Bender’s disappearance.

Cracking the cold case and new clues surface 

The investigation into Susan Bender’s disappearance was revived in 2021 when the Modesto Police Department reopened the case. 

Advancements in technology offer hope for new leads and insights. 

Two years after reopening the investigation, detectives have made a significant stride toward finding the truth.

 The story of Susan Bender’s vanishing once again captured headlines as the case regained momentum.

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