Shawntell Monique Waites, 29: Was She A Victim Of A Serial Killer?
The West Mesa murders remain unsolved; is Shawntell missing, or did something worse happen to her?
Since 2001, over a dozen women have disappeared from the Albuquerque, New Mexico area. In 2009, the bodies of 11 women were found buried in shallow graves near one another in a field, and the case was dubbed the West Mesa Murders. Thought to be the work of a serial killer, police pieced together as much information as they could about the victims. After being identified, it was learned that many of the women were known to law enforcement because of their drug abuse, arrests, or ties to prostitution. Because of this, local reporters didn't cover their missing person cases during the years prior. When the mass grave site was uncovered, many asked themselves how something like this could go unchecked.
While the West Mesa victims were all reported missing during 2003 and 2004, there were plenty of other women who also vanished in 2005 and 2006. One of these cases is that of Shawntell Monique Waites, who disappeared from the Albuquerque area sometime in 2006. Not much information about her lifestyle has been made public, and no one has heard from or seen Shawntell since that time. The person or persons responsible for the West Mesa murders have never been identified. Some believe that Shawntell has fallen victim to a serial killer who has stalked the streets of New Mexico for possibly close to two decades.
Shawntell Monique Waites: What To Know
At the time of her disappearance, Shawntell was 5'7" tall and 130 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She likes to wear her hair in blonde or light brown wigs and weaves. She has several distinctive characteristics that would aid in identification. Shawntell is missing seven teeth, has fillings in seven teeth, and a crown in one tooth. On her right leg, she has a tattoo of the word "LADY." Both of her ears are pierced. She is known to go by her middle name, "Monique."
Human remains continue to be unearthed in New Mexico. In July 2018, a construction crew came across human bones. Police are actively investigating the case.
Anyone with information regarding Shawntell's missing person case is urged to contact the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Missing Persons Hotline at 1-800-457-3463 or the Albuquerque Police Department at 505-242-2677.
Please share this story of Shawntell Monique Waites to continue the conversation about her mysterious disappearance. She is our sister, and her life matters.
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