My friend was kidnapped 16 years ago today

[1gobluedem]

And we have never seen her again. She was kidnapped off the side of an expressway after someone had apparently motioned her to stop. Her car was found, still running, on the side of the expressway (nothing was wrong with it) with her purse, keys, and shoes inside. People saw her talking to someone in a maroon van but that's as far as the investigation has ever gone.

This is the thing. She was a state cop's daughter so she wouldn't pull off for someone she didn't know. Plus she was within an exit she knew. Why did she stop?

Her creepy fiance at the time had an alibi. But he'd also publicly said to someone the week before that she would be 'history' soon and was angry with her because she wanted to put some money she received in a lawsuit into her name only. I think he was involved.

So, please, think of Paige Renkoski today if you have a minute. I want her to be remembered. Thanks.

[In_The_Wind]

1. I'm very sorry! That is scary.

And a timely reminder to all of us to Be Careful while we're traveling.

Do you have a picture of her that you could post.

[1gobluedem]

2. Thanks, JA

I don't have a picture of her here, unfortunately, have several at home. She was 30 years old at the time, blonde, blue eyed, and very pretty. I've known her since I was five years old.

[In_The_Wind]

11. Perhaps an image of the way she might look today would be a good idea too.

If you can post the old pictures of her when you're home this evening - please add it to this thread. :shrug: Ya never know.

[Blue Diadem]

13. self-delete

link already posted below

[Misunderestimator]

3. I know how much she meant to you. She'll be in my thoughts.

:hug:

[1gobluedem]

4. Thanks, Misu

Today is going to be a hard day.

[johnnie]

5. I'm sorry. My thoughts are with you

I found this and thought people might want to see more about her case. Take care.

http://www.doenetwork.us/cases/294dfmi.html

[1gobluedem]

10. Thanks for posting that link

After reading it, it all came rushing back. I so hope she didn't suffer. I keep in close touch with her mother who has become very active in Parents of Murdered Children.

The weird thing is, Paige had a very active imagination and was always pretending to be kidnapped in our games so her father, Captain Kirk, would come and save her. She loved Star Trek and Batman.

[johnnie]

12. I'm sorry if it was wrong to post that

I didn't mean to upset you by it.

[1gobluedem]

14. Don't be sorry

It's good to think of her and to remind people of what happened. I am sincere in my thanks.

[caty]

6. I remember that.

I've often wondered about her. It shows how careful we have to be when driving alone. The part about her car still running always bothered me. She must not have thought she would be out of the car for very long or she would have turned the engine off. We just can't trust any one when we are off alone like that. Even the nicest looking and sounding people can be monsters.

[1gobluedem]

16. I know....

But I also know she wouldn't get out of the car if she didn't know the person. That's what's so puzzling.

[caty]

27. I know one of the theories was

that someone motioned for her to pull over, implying that there was something wrong with her car. Maybe a low tire or something. That would explain her leaving the engine running while she got out to check. But, the theory of it being some one she knew makes a lot of sense. Hopefully the truth will come out some day so that her family and friends can find peace and justice will be found for her. So scary---so sad.:hug:

[1gobluedem]

29. But she would've exited to do that.

The exit was right in front of her.

We do need peace and closure. Thanks, caty.

[Sequoia]

37. Yes, Sam Shepard comes to mind.

The cute doctor who always pretended to have a broken arm and would get young women with long hair to help him put boxes in the trunk of his car.

[MissHoneychurch]

7. My thoughts are with you and with her

as long as she has friends like you she will be remembered :hug:

[1gobluedem]

17. Thanks Misshoneychurch

I need hugs today. For some reason, this anniversary is very hard this year.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

8. My thoughts, prayers, best wishes and hugs are with you today

:hug: :hug: :hug:

That's just so awful and so very tragic. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family as well.

I just don't know what else to say -words fail me. This is truly very, very sad

May her life and legacy live on in the hearts and minds of all those who know and love her

:hug:

[1gobluedem]

18. Thanks socialdem

I'm going to plant a tree for Paige as soon as I find a place I like. There was a huge willow in her yard on which we had many adventures. So, I'm going to plant a willow tree.

[Blue Diadem]

9. I'm sorry 1gobluedem

Thank you for bringing her to our attention. Your friend Paige will be remembered.

I'll be saying a prayer that she be found and her abductors brought to justice.

:hug:

[1gobluedem]

19. Thanks, OVC-O

I need her to be remembered.

[miss_american_pie]

15. I'm very sorry for your loss

We'll remember Paige. :hug:

[1gobluedem]

20. Thanks, missap

It's good that she's remembered by such a great group of people here at DU. :grouphug:

[NewJeffCT]

21. I'm very sorry for your loss

Paige and you will be in my thoughts today.

[1gobluedem]

22. Thanks, NJCT

It means a lot to me that people are thinking of her.

[Blue_Roses]

23. Stories like this just make me so sad

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend:hug:

[1gobluedem]

24. Thanks, Blue Roses

I miss her.

[auntAgonist]

25. My thoughts are with you, her family and her.

:hug:
I cannot begin to imagine what she, and all of you have gone through these past 16 years.

aA

[1gobluedem]

26. Thanks aA

Paige's father died about three years after she disappeared, not knowing what happened to her. He was obssessed with it; it took over his life. I like to think they're together now...

[Corgigal]

28. This is a sad story

My youngest daughter is about ready to drive. We had a young woman disappear from her vehicle several years ago. She was found dead months later and they never found out who did. Like you, I wondered why she stopped her car.

I always worry about the blue or red lights on the dash of a car. I personally don't think that is a good enough reason to stop but I know lots of people would.

I hope one day shes found so she can be brought to her final resting area.

[1gobluedem]

30. It would mean a lot to her mother

She still can't bring herself to have a memorial service. Thanks, Corgigal.

[progmom]

31. I'm sorry, M.

I know how hard this has been for you. :hug:

[1gobluedem]

32. Thanks....

It is not my favorite day of the year, that's for sure.

[Sequoia]

33. That's very tragic, I'm sorry for all her friends and family.

Did the cops ever give him a polygraph test? Do you still see him around?

[1gobluedem]

35. I don't think they gave him the test because of the alibi

My guess is there was someone they both knew in that van and that's why she pulled over. He got someone else to do it.

He brags about being a suspect in the case; has been married and divorced twice and has been arrested for domestic violence. I never knew him really, and he lives in another city.

[Sequoia]

38. Talk about red flags, he needs to be investigated.

If she was a cop's kid can't her dad do anything?

[applegrove]

34. Very sad.

[1gobluedem]

36. Thanks, applegrove

I appreciate the thoughts.

[Blue_Tires]

39. ttt---very sad

[Book Lover]

40. Thank you for telling us about her

I will think of her today. I am very sorry to hear this sad tale. I wish it had an ending for you all.

[GOPisEvil]

41. A former co-worker of mine is missing and presumed dead.

I think her slimebag, wanna-be motorcycle gang member husband did it, or knows who did, but not enough evidence against him exists...

It's really sad. :(

[flamingyouth]

42. I remember you posting about her before.

Maybe it was last year on this day. Definitely thinking of Paige and everyone who loves her today. :hug: