The Spine-Tingling Disappearance of Tara Leigh Calico

Source: Murders, Mysteries, and Missing

In 1988, Tara Calico, 19, and her mother, Patty Doel, were avid bicyclists. [1] The pair often traversed a 36-mile route from their home in Belen, New Mexico, along New Mexico State Road 47.

Tara’s bicycle — Source: Conspiracy Theories

However, Patty had been turning down her daughter’s invitations to join her on the journey. Recently, while she was out riding with Tara, a motorist drove aggressively close to the pair, then drove past them several times. Patty was spooked enough to take a break from the lengthy trek, but Tara felt her mother’s concern was silly and opted to still make the daily trip.

Tara’s mother and stepfather, Patty and John Doel — Source: Albuquerque Journal

So, on the morning of September 20, 1988, around 9:30 a.m., Tara hopped on her pink bicycle, eager to go on her first ride since she had gotten a flat tire several days earlier. Her mother suggested she carry mace, but Tara laughed off the idea. [2]