September 1979

"FINAL REPORT -

Richard Roger Cox, age 16, disappeared sometime on the afternoon of July 21, 1979. He was last seen with Amethyst Tall Tree, assumed age 16, and her mother Goldenrod (?) Tall Tree, assumed to be native American. They are assumed to be members of the Qualla Cherokee, but no records exist at either the Reservation nor the state of North Carolina. Therefore they are assumed to have been aliases. A multi-state search has revealed no further information. 

The apartment where the Tall Tree's lived was thoroughly searched. No evidence was located. All that remained were clothes and household goods. No paperwork could be found. The car, a 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88, Florida, JQE-116, was registered to Mrs. Tall Tree, but a search of the vehicle provided no further information, though it was traced to Atlantic Motors. Their records indicate the car was purchased with cash in June 1978.

The only witness was Thomas Vincent St. Claire, 16. A search of his record revealed that he was accused of shoplifting at age 12 by the manager at the Pic-N-Save on Atlantic Blvd. No charges were ever filed, since no evidence was found. He was a life long neighbor of Mr. Cox, and was considered his best friend. 

After multiple interrogations of Mr. St. Claire no further information could be obtained. A thorough search of the St. Claire residence revealed no evidence. 

Mr. St. Claire has withdrawn from school and remains the sole witness.

NOTE - 

The FBI was called in regarding the disposition of Mr. Cox's bicycle. Due to ongoing investigation on the federal level, the JSO is closing this investigation pending findings. No additional information will be included. Additional notes for this case will be sealed with this file.

-

Det Capt. Michael W. Winslow

September 21, 1979"