Missing woman found over a week after night out in Downtown Austin: APD
UPDATE 6/6/2024: On May 16, Elizabeth Spalding was located by Austin police, and her family was notified.
AUSTIN, Texas - A woman is still missing over a week after a night out in Downtown Austin earlier this month.
35-year-old Elizabeth Spalding and her twin sister were last known to be in downtown Austin on May 4 and may have been in local bars or nightclubs, according to her family, says the Downtown Austin Alliance.
At some point in the night, the women found themselves in the emergency room at St. David's, but they were released around 4 a.m. May 5.
Spalding’s sister arrived home later that same morning but has no recollection of her sister's whereabouts or how or when they were separated, says the DAA. She is still missing as of Tuesday, May 14.
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Elizabeth Spalding
Spalding is 5'5" and 120 lbs with blonde hair and blue eyes.
Austin police confirmed to FOX 7 Austin that a "request to locate" case has been opened. Anyone with any information on her whereabouts is asked to contact APD's Missing Persons Unit at 512-974-5250.
The case was concerning to some visiting downtown Austin.
"It's upsetting. It's something that should not go on any city or any place," Greg Spradley, who was visiting from Missouri said. "I certainly hope she's okay, and I'll be praying for all her relatives and her."
While the circumstances of her disappearance aren't clear, others are frustrated by crime in Austin.
"It's really hard to not assume the worst when you see headlines like that," Mallory Moore said. "Pretty disheartening, especially, you know, generally, like around my age, she was in her early 30s. It could be anyone at any point in time, whether you're a man or woman, because nothing seems to find a resolution at this point."
She says she moved away from Austin due to crime.
"I don't feel safe here. I always walk with someone, I take cars, even if I'm going five blocks somewhere else at night, like I have to call a car because you never know what's going to happen, and it's not okay," she said.
Austin police released a statement on Spalding:
"The Austin Police Department (APD) received a request to locate a case related to Elizabeth Spalding. Ms. Spalding is an adult, and her family is concerned for her welfare, which is why she is listed as a Request to Locate in the Austin Police Department’s system. Ms. Spalding has the ability to reach out if she requires police assistance and, during the time she has been listed in the APD system, has spoken to several different individuals in the community. At this time, there is no indication that Ms. Spalding is being held against her will in any way."