Enigmatic Crimes: The Disappearance of Tara Calico – A Mystery That Haunts New Mexico

The Disappearance of Tara Calico

Introduction

In the small town of Belen, New Mexico, the daily rhythms of life for 19-year-old Tara Calico came to a sudden, chilling halt on the morning of September 20, 1988. Known for her outgoing personality and ambitious goals, Tara was no stranger to the community. She was known as a bright young woman, a psychology student with dreams of moving to a larger city and making her mark. Her sunny nature made her well-loved, and her routine was as predictable as the sun rising each day over Belen’s serene landscapes.

On that fateful morning, Tara set out on her usual bike ride along Highway 47, a route she knew well and often rode with her mother. This day, however, her mother stayed behind. Little did she know, it would be the last time anyone would see Tara.

Part 1: The Last Ride

Tara’s bike rides were part of a routine that she rarely deviated from, one that included early morning starts and a consistent 36-mile stretch along a rural highway. Her mother, Patty Doel, was often by her side, but after noticing a strange car following them a few times, Patty had grown cautious and encouraged Tara to be careful. But Tara was unfazed—she brushed off her mother’s concerns, never expecting that she’d become the focal point of one of New Mexico’s most perplexing mysteries.

As Tara rode that morning, she carried a Walkman, listening to a mix of her favorite music. When she hadn’t returned home by noon, Patty grew anxious. Hours passed, and Tara’s absence turned from worry to dread. Patty contacted local law enforcement, who quickly initiated a search along Tara’s usual route. The initial investigation uncovered two clues: a cassette tape and pieces of her Walkman scattered along the roadside, as if deliberately placed there. These remnants were the last physical signs of Tara, hinting at a struggle, yet offering no answers.

Part 2: The Polaroid Discovery

In July 1989, nearly a year after Tara’s disappearance, a chilling piece of evidence surfaced in a parking lot in Port St. Joe, Florida—a Polaroid photograph depicting a young woman resembling Tara, bound and gagged, lying beside a young boy. The pair appeared to be in the back of a van, and the image stirred a wave of renewed hope and fear.

The discovery of the photo sparked nationwide interest and left law enforcement agencies scrambling to analyze its contents. Scotland Yard was brought in to analyze the photo, but the results were inconclusive. Forensic experts debated the woman’s identity, with some firmly believing it was Tara, while others questioned the resemblance. Despite extensive efforts, neither individual in the photo was positively identified, and the origin of the image remains a mystery to this day.

Part 3: Theories and Suspicions

As the investigation wore on, theories around Tara’s disappearance proliferated. Some suggested she might have been abducted by someone she knew, while others proposed she fell victim to an organized crime network. Local authorities interviewed friends, family, and witnesses who had seen Tara riding along Highway 47 that morning, yet nothing concrete materialized.

One prevailing theory posited that Tara may have been struck by a vehicle and subsequently abducted to cover up the accident. This theory gained traction as a few witnesses reported seeing a 1953 Ford pickup truck in the area around the time of her ride. However, no vehicle or suspect matching this description was ever found. Over the years, law enforcement has revisited this theory, particularly in light of advancements in forensic technology, but without new leads, it remains speculative.

Part 4: A Mother’s Relentless Search

For Tara’s mother, Patty, the grief of losing her daughter was matched only by her determination to find answers. Patty launched extensive campaigns, reaching out to national news outlets and even establishing a tip line. She never missed an opportunity to keep Tara’s case in the public eye, raising awareness with vigils, posters, and social media campaigns.

Patty’s efforts inspired a dedicated following of supporters, from local volunteers to amateur sleuths across the country, each piecing together theories in hopes of bringing Tara home. Over the years, Patty’s resilience has remained a testament to a mother’s love and the enduring hope that someone, somewhere, might hold the key to the mystery.

Part 5: New Hope Through Technology

With recent advancements in forensic science, the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office has re-examined evidence, employing DNA analysis techniques that weren’t available in 1988. Although no significant breakthroughs have been made, law enforcement is hopeful that continued technological advancements may one day reveal new clues.

Meanwhile, Tara’s case has become a rallying point for advocates pushing for reforms in how missing person cases are handled. In New Mexico, her story has highlighted the importance of using modern technology to re-investigate cold cases, as well as the need for community vigilance in unsolved mysteries.

Conclusion

As the years have passed, Tara Calico’s disappearance remains one of New Mexico’s most enduring mysteries. The case haunts those who remember the bright young woman with big dreams who vanished on a quiet September morning. For Patty, and for the community that still waits for answers, hope persists—hope that one day, the truth will finally come to light, and Tara’s story will find the closure it so rightly deserves.

Sources for more information:

ABC News Coverage on Tara Calico

Tara Calico's Unsolved Mysteries Episode

Tip Line: Valencia County Sheriff’s Office: (505) 866-2400