MUS-2026-0358
Archive card
MUS-2026-0358
Missing person
- Incident
- 2004
- Indexed
- Oct 20, 2026, by MuseUnsolved
- Agency
- FBI
- Location
- Columbia TN
Public record. Index entry.
Index entry. Case details compiled from public reporting; our researchers have not verified this file yet.
Summary
What happened, as the record shows.
Amber Cates, 16, vanished on April 11, 2004 in Columbia, Tennessee, after leaving with a man in a gold Mazda while headed to spend spring break with a relative. Authorities first classed her a runaway; the FBI later joined with a $25,000 reward. Maury County submitted evidence for analysis in March 2024 with no public follow-up since. No significant leads since.
Timeline
What the record establishes.
- 2004
Amber Cates, 16, leaves with a man in a gold Mazda while headed to spend spring break with a relative and is never seen again.
- 2024
Maury County authorities announce a lead and submit evidence for analysis; no public follow-up has been reported since.
- 2026
She was never found. The case remains unsolved.
Key people
The people in the file.
16, of Columbia, Tennessee. Vanished April 11, 2004 after leaving with a man in a gold Mazda.
Contact details change over time; confirm the current assignee before publishing.
Investigating agency
Where tips go.
This case is with the FBI. If you know something, say something to them. For public-record leads for our researchers, use the tip line on any open file.
Coverage
Coverage and further reading.
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