Kendra Battelo, 24: Vanished Days After BF Had Domestic Violence Court Hearing
She disappeared in 2022, and 2 years later, her boyfriend was allegedly murdered by her loved ones.
A woman who was last seen knocking on a stranger's door in 2022 remains missing.
Kendra Battelo last had contact with her mother at approximately midnight on July 7, 2022. Police in Enid, Oklahoma, stated that the 24-year-old's last movements actually spanned a few weeks; after not hearing from her daughter, Kendra's mother reported her missing on July 12.
What happened during this time remains unclear, but it is said that Kendra's boyfriend, Colby Sheppard, appeared in court around that time in connection with a domestic violence case where she was named as the victim.
Our Black Girls is an independent, reader-supported publication. If you believe in amplifying the stories of missing Black women and girls, please consider making a direct gift through PayPal or Buy Me a Coffee, or by subscribing here.
Sheppard reportedly had a bond hearing in that case, but the exact circumstances are unknown. It was days before Kendra’s last contact that Sheppard appeared in court. A news report stated that Kendra was with Sheppard on July 6, just prior to her having contact with her mother.
“We’ve conducted several interviews, executed multiple search warrants on several vehicles, residences and devices, conducted several field searches, employed our department’s drone and followed up on each and every tip we’ve received,” said Cass Raines of the Enid Police Department. “You never know what that one piece of information could be that could lead to helping us find her.”
Kendra’s relatives revealed that she battled mental health struggles and substance abuse. The last person to see or hear from Kendra was apparently a stranger; on July 20, the Enid Police claimed that Kendra knocked on a woman’s door in Pawnee and asked for a glass of water. What happened to her after that remains a mystery, but her family has been diligent in their search efforts alongside EPD.
Investigators said they followed up on a tip that Kendra was somewhere in Wichita, Kansas, but that lead was not fruitful. There have been several searches involving residents, people within the community who simply wanted to help, and Indigenous activist groups lending their voices, but nothing has been shared publicly to suggest that evidence leading to Kendra’s return has been found.
Her Boyfriend Is Murdered
In a turn of events, Sheppard was also reported missing in 2024. Then, that August, his remains were located in Enid. According to The Clarley Project, four people have been arrested in connection with his mother. They include Victor Battelo (Kendra’s uncle), Charles Jordan, Devin Harris, and Heaven Jordan.
It was also stated: “Victor allegedly told an acquaintance that he had punched, kicked and stomped on Sheppard but that Sheppard kept saying he didn’t do anything to Kendra. Victor also allegedly said that he and a friend had slit Sheppard’s throat. Charles supposedly told an inmate about the murder and offered the inmate money to help move Sheppard’s body. Harris admitted to the police that he stood guard outside Charles’s home while Sheppard was being beaten.”
The four suspects are currently awaiting trial.
Kendra Battelo: What To Know
At the time of her disappearance, Kendra Battelo stood 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed 115 to 130 pounds. She had black/dark brown hair and brown eyes. Kendra’s hair is short, but she is known for wearing wigs in various lengths and colors.
She has dimples, and her middle name is “Nicole.” Kendra has been described as Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Native/Indigenous. She is enrolled with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Enid Police Department at (580) 242-7000, text the keyword EPDTIP to 847411 (can be anonymous), or call their local authorities. The agency case number is 2022-6114.
Please share this story about Kendra Battelo to help bring her home. She is our sister, and her life matters.
Case Number: 2022-6114
Agency: Enid Police Department
Phone: (580) 242-7000
Email:
Join the Our Black Girls conversations on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, as well as on the OBG Podcasts on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Anchor FM. Stay updated on the latest cases, developments, messages from survivors, and much more.