Prologue: From Missing to Murdered

Present day, 2024

It was twenty-four years ago that Cynthia (Cindy) Rearden was last seen alive. On the night of June 20th, 1999, Cindy vanished in Monroe, WA. Friends and family immediately knew something was wrong because Cindy had an 8-year-old son, whom she would never abandon. After months of searching and following hundreds of leads, everyone received the answer they dreaded. Cindy, just 31 years old, was dead. [source]

Eight months after her disappearance, human remains were found in a marshy wooded area. The area was located off a quiet road on private property, approximately 5 miles from the tavern where Cindy was last seen. It took the medical examiner five days to positively identify Cindy's remains using her dental records. [source]

From the night Cindy vanished on June 20th, 1999 until February 10th, 2000, she was considered a missing person. After her remains were identified, her case changed to a murder investigation. Where is Cindy, was no longer the question. It became, Who killed Cindy and why? 

The case goes cold

This investigation continued for months, extended to years, then decades. Yet, authorities still hadn't solved the homicide. With no convictions, viable leads, or new evidence, Cindy's investigation became a cold case. 

Then in 2009, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office released new information about a shirt sleeve found near Cindy's remains. They had hoped someone would come forward with information about the shirt. [source] Their flame of hope faded, when no arrests were made.

Cynthia's cold case card
[photo source]

Now, 24 years later, Cindy's case remains stagnant and cold. Not much is known about this case beyond some old news stories and a short paragraph in a deck of Crime Stoppers playing cards. Unless someone comes forward with new information, this case will remain unsolved.

Reviewing the cold case

I don't believe cases are unsolvable. Someone always knows something. It's not unheard of for criminals to confess or for witnesses to come forward, many years after the crime. Perhaps, by examining this case with fresh eyes and new perspectives, we can warm up this cold case. By we, I mean me and you: the collective us. Let's see if we can uncover new evidence that can help solve Cindy's case.

For over 2 years, I've been scanning the public domain and learning more about this case. I've researched news articles, court transcripts, and historical documents. I've compiled a probable timeline, a list of interesting people, and a map of key locations. 

I will present my research using this blog and supply further details in the coming weeks. As you read through my findings, I urge you to help me connect the puzzle pieces and fill in the gaps. With our collective minds, perhaps we can breathe more air into the fading embers of Cindy's case. A case that can be solved when someone comes forward with vital information.

I'm not a private detective or a journalist. However, I believe we are all interconnected. As human beings, we are born with an innate drive to help others. We don't have to know Cindy to connect with her. As you read about this case, or any cold case, keep in mind that at the core of every murder, is a victim. A person who was once happy & alive, who loved and was loved. It is this capacity to love that connects us with others and drives us to help.

How you can help

  1. Did you live or work in Monroe, WA in 1999? 
  2. Do you or someone you know have personal information about Cindy's murder?
  3. Can you forward this blog to people who can help shed light on this case?
  4. Follow this blog FB page on Facebook.

If you have any information about Cindy's case, anything you may recall but have not told investigators, please contact them using one of these resources:
  • Snohomish County Sheriff's anonymous tip line: 425-388-3845
  • Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound anonymous tip line: 1-800-222-8477 or