SEQUESTERED Podcast: Tara Calico – Disappeared in 1988 (Belen, NM) | Part One
Season Two, Case 3
Introduction
In the gripping third installment of Season Two of SEQUESTERED, hosted by Sarah Reed from Road Trip Studios, listeners delve into the mysterious disappearance of Tara Calico in Belen, New Mexico, in 1988. This episode meticulously chronicles Tara's last known moments, the ensuing investigation, and the lingering questions that have kept her case unsolved for decades.
Background: Tara Calico’s Life
Sarah Reed sets the scene by painting a vivid picture of Tara Calico’s life and the serene community of Belen, New Mexico.
"Tara wasn't just another kid on the block. She was magnetic, vibrant, quick-witted, and fiercely adventurous." — Sarah Reed [00:27]
Born on February 28, 1969, Tara was a beloved 19-year-old with aspirations in psychology, known for her athleticism and deep familial bonds. Growing up in the Rio Communities neighborhood, Tara exemplified the vibrant spirit of small-town America.
The Fateful Morning: September 20, 1988
The episode transitions to the morning of Tara's disappearance, detailing her routine bike ride that turned tragic.
"She'd go on her morning bike ride to clear her head. She had a tennis match with her boyfriend, Jack, at 12:30, and then an afternoon psychology class at UNM Valencia at 3:30." — Sarah Reed [06:58]
Tara left her home around 9:30 AM on her mother's bright pink Huffy bike, a ride she had undertaken countless times. Unbeknownst to her, someone else was present on the road that day.
A Suspicious Presence
Witnesses began to report a light-colored pickup truck following Tara closely. The portrayal of this moment is critical as it marks the beginning of the mystery.
"There wasn't just one person in the cab. There were at least two, maybe more. He looked tense, like something was happening that shouldn't be." — Sarah Reed [07:02]
Despite the growing unease from those who spotted the truck, Tara remained unaware, continuing her ride as usual.
Initial Disappearance and Community Response
As the morning progressed without Tara’s return, anxiety quickly transformed into a full-scale search effort.
"Today is the fifth day. Family and friends are without Tara Calico." — Sarah Reed [12:42]
Patty Calico, Tara's mother, immediately sensed something was wrong five minutes past noon, prompting her to start the frantic search.
Search Efforts Intensify
Local law enforcement, volunteers, and neighbors united in the search, combing the familiar highways and desert terrains.
"With flashlights cutting through the dark and gravel crunching beneath their feet, they searched until the desert swallowed their voices." — Sarah Reed [12:42]
The community's solidarity was palpable, yet despite their exhaustive efforts, nothing concrete was found initially.
Discovery of Clues
The turning point in the search came with the discovery of disturbing evidence that suggested Tara had met foul play.
"Bicycle tire marks veering sharply off the edge of the asphalt and digging into the sandy shoulder... footprints scattered, uneven, circling, like someone had moved quickly, maybe struggled, maybe tried to run." — Sarah Reed [17:12]
Patty Calico interpreted these signs as deliberate attempts by Tara to leave a trail:
"And nearby, resting in the dirt, a Boston cassette tape, items her mother believed she dropped intentionally to leave a trail." — Sarah Reed [18:26]
These fragments intensified the mystery, indicating a possible struggle and forcing investigators to piece together the fragmented evidence.
The Suspect and Ongoing Investigation
Despite the tangible clues, the investigation hit a dead end with the elusive suspect remaining unidentified.
"The truck was seen. The man was seen, but his name or the off-white Ford never surfaced." — Sarah Reed [24:03]
Valencia County Sheriff Lawrence Romero Sr. publicly released a detailed description of the suspect, hoping to generate leads.
"A white male, approximately 35 to 45 years of age... the red 4D emblem on the front grille appeared to be made from smashed glass." — Patty Calico [24:03]
However, the tips and leads quickly dwindled, leaving the community and Tara’s family without answers.
Lingering Questions and Unresolved Mystery
The episode underscores the haunting uncertainty that envelops Tara Calico’s disappearance.
"How long had he been watching her? Days? Weeks? Was he a stranger? A neighbor?" — Sarah Reed [25:10]
To this day, the case remains unsolved, with the white pickup truck and its occupants vanishing without a trace, forever linking Tara’s name to the shadows of unsolved mysteries in New Mexico.
Conclusion and Tease for Part Two
Sarah Reed summarizes the key points of Tara's disappearance and sets the stage for the next part of the investigation.
"By the end of 1988, the case that had once gripped a small New Mexico town was losing momentum. The search was scaled back, the headlines stopped. And just like that, Tara Calico became another missing person in America's long shadow of unsolved disappearances." — Sarah Reed [25:52]
The episode concludes by hinting at new developments in Part Two, including a mysterious Polaroid found miles away, deepening the intrigue surrounding Tara’s fate.
Key Takeaways
- Tara Calico, a vibrant 19-year-old from Belen, NM, vanished on a routine bike ride in September 1988.
- Multiple witnesses reported a suspicious pickup truck following her closely on Highway 47.
- Search efforts revealed clues suggesting a possible struggle, but no definitive evidence was found.
- A detailed suspect description was released, but no arrests were made, and the truck remained elusive.
- Nearly a year later, a Polaroid surfaced in Florida, suggesting new leads in the case.
- The mystery of Tara Calico continues to haunt the community and her family, with questions still unanswered.
Stay tuned for Part Two of Tara Calico’s disappearance, where Sarah Reed explores new leads, examines theories, and delves deeper into the unresolved questions that have kept this case in the public eye for over three decades.
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