Rachel Yates

July 29, 2024

In the community of Deltona, Florida, the disappearance of Rachel Yates remains a perplexing mystery that has haunted her family and friends for nearly two decades. Rachel vanished June 10, 2006, and despite ongoing efforts, her case remains unsolved.

Rachel Marie Yates was born on December 15, 1980. At the time of her disappearance, she was 25 years old, standing between 5’6″ and 5’8″ tall and weighing between 125 and 200 pounds. Rachel had light brown to auburn hair, possibly with blonde or red highlights, and brown eyes. Distinctive tattoos adorned her body, including a butterfly on her right shoulder and another unspecified tattoo on her lower back. Per the Charley Project, She was last seen wearing a small diamond ring and carrying a Curves duffel bag or backpack.

On June 10, 2006, Rachel attended a party in Deltona. During the festivities, she took a car without permission and drove off. Two male guests, who knew her, tracked her down at the intersection of Elkcam Boulevard and Providence Boulevard. They managed to convince her to return the car, leaving her standing by the roadside. That was the last time anyone saw Rachel.

Rachel had previously mentioned plans to travel to Alabama with an unidentified African-American male, but it is unclear if she followed through with those plans. She held a Florida driver’s license but did not own a vehicle at the time.

The investigation into Rachel’s disappearance has been fraught with challenges. Some sources report inconsistencies in the date and location of her disappearance, with alternative accounts suggesting July 26, 2006, in Winter Springs, Florida. Despite these discrepancies, the primary narrative remains focused on her last known location at Elkcam Boulevard and Providence Boulevard in Deltona, with Winter Springs Police Department as the investigating agency (https://www.winterspringsfl.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/police/page/4861/yates_missing_person.pdf).

Authorities have considered various theories, including the possibility that Rachel traveled to Alabama with the unidentified male. However, no concrete evidence has surfaced to confirm this theory. The Winter Springs Police Department continues to investigate, but leads have been scarce. 

Rachel’s case remains open, and any new information could be crucial in solving this mystery. If you have any information about Rachel Yates’ disappearance, please contact the Winter Springs Police Department at 407-327-1000. Tips can also be submitted through the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

Rachel’s story is a reminder of the many unsolved cases that linger in the shadows, waiting for a breakthrough. As we continue to hope for answers, Rachel’s family and friends remain vigilant, seeking any piece of information that might lead to her whereabouts.

Sip and Sleuth!