Memphis, TN (AP) – The mysterious disappearance of 38-year-old Latrice Shay Armstead has left her family and the Memphis community grappling with unanswered questions. Armstead was last seen on July 28, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. in the 4200 block of Springleaf Lane in Memphis, Tennessee. Since that day, she has never been heard from again, leaving behind a trail of troubling clues and a history of domestic violence in her relationship with her estranged husband, Tony Bledsoe, who remains a person of interest in the case.
What Happened: The Events Leading to Armstead’s Disappearance
Latrice Armstead’s disappearance occurred just days before she was set to relocate from Memphis to St. Louis, Missouri, in an effort to escape the abuse of her estranged husband. Armstead had been the victim of domestic violence throughout her relationship with Bledsoe, who had previously broken her jaw, prompting her to file for divorce and seek an order of protection against him.
On July 31, 2012, just three days after Armstead was last seen, her black Acura TL was discovered abandoned and burned in a rural area near Little Simmons Road in Clarksdale, Mississippi, about an hour from Memphis. The car’s condition raised suspicions, especially given the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
The Connection to Tony Bledsoe
Armstead’s estranged husband, Tony Bledsoe, has been identified as a person of interest in her case. Despite a court order of protection that prohibited him from being near her, Armstead was reportedly seen twice with Bledsoe on the day she vanished. This breach of the protection order led to Bledsoe’s arrest, although authorities have not formally charged him with any crime related to Armstead’s disappearance.
Bledsoe’s history of violence toward Armstead, combined with his connection to her last known whereabouts, has raised concerns about potential foul play. Family members and friends insist that it would have been out of character for Armstead to leave without warning, especially considering her three sons, whom she loved dearly.
Investigation and Community Efforts
Coahoma County, Mississippi, police are leading the investigation into Armstead’s disappearance. Despite their efforts, the case remains unsolved, with few concrete leads pointing to her whereabouts or the circumstances surrounding her fate. The lack of definitive answers has left her family in a constant state of worry, unable to move forward until justice is served.
The Memphis community has rallied around Armstead’s family, offering support and keeping her story alive through social media and local awareness campaigns. The case has sparked conversations about domestic violence, the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship, and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
Ongoing Search for Answers
As of now, Latrice Shay Armstead’s case remains open, and her family continues to seek closure. With the investigation still ongoing, they urge anyone with information about her disappearance or the events surrounding it to come forward. The hope is that, one day, the truth will be revealed, and justice will be served.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Latrice Shay Armstead, please contact the Coahoma County Sheriff’s Office at 662-624-3085. Her family and loved ones are desperate for answers, and any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in solving this case.
