Details of Disappearance
Patty and her husband, Jerry Ray ("JR") Vaughan, began a trial separation in October 1996. A photo of JR is posted below this case summary. JR moved into an apartment in San Antonio, Texas and Patty remained at their residence on Oak Park Road in La Vernia, Texas with their three children. The couple had been married since 1985. Patty was dating a former boyfriend in December 1996 and the relationship apparently caused an argument between Patty and JR at her home on December 25, 1996. Patty disappeared from her home that day between 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM and has not been seen again.
JR told authorities that Patty left the house alone on December 25 and simply vanished. He filed for divorce from his wife on December 26, one day after Patty was last seen. Other family members reported her as a missing person to authorities. Patty's blue Dodge Caravan was discovered abandoned with a flat tire on December 26, one day after she was last seen. The vehicle was located on Loop 1604 in South Bexar County, approximately 5 miles from Patty's employer, Quinney Electric, and 15 miles from her home. Tests revealed that the tire had been intentionally deflated. Investigators searched her residence and vehicle and discovered blood inside the van, on the walls and floor of Patty's bedroom and on a mop inside the house. Someone had attempted to clean the blood from the premises prior to discovery. DNA testing proved that the blood was Patty's. She has never been located and no arrests have been made in connection with her case. Foul play is suspected in Patty's disappearance due to the circumstances involved.
Patty was last seen wearing a bracelet, a watch and a wedding band. She may have been wearing a thumb ring at the time of her disappearance. She and her family have previously lived in the following areas: Portland, Maine; Athens, Georgia; and Stafford, Virginia. She enjoys singing and was active in her church choir in 1996.
Patty's mother was charged with burglarizing JR's residence and assaulting him with a baseball bat in February 1997, two months after her daughter disappeared.


Above: JR Vaughan, circa 1995