Dawnita Wilkerson

Case Information:

Dawnita Leauta Wilkerson was 44 years old when she vanished from Evansville, Indiana, on June 21, 2020.

She was last seen at approximately 8:16 p.m. departing the One Life Studios and Suites motel on Green River Road.

Case Details:

Wilkerson reportedly climbed into a silver/pewter 2004 Chevrolet Suburban occupied by two men before disappearing. Cellular data tracked the vehicle moving west into Southern Illinois before her phone was permanently turned off or lost power the following morning.

Prior to her disappearance, Wilkerson expressed significant fear for her life and noted concerns regarding past toxic relationships. Authorities located the owner of the vehicle, but police noted the individual remained uncooperative.

Timeline of Events:

• June 21, 2020 (8:16 p.m.): Wilkerson is last seen getting into a 2004 silver/pewter Chevrolet Suburban at an Evansville motel.
• June 22, 2020 (5:00 a.m.): Wilkerson misses her daily morning call to her mother, triggering initial concern.
• June 22, 2020 (Morning): Cell data shows the vehicle traveling into Southern Illinois before Wilkerson’s phone goes permanently dark.
• June 22, 2020 (Evening): Family members report Wilkerson missing to local authorities after continued failed contact attempts.
• July 2025: Search and rescue teams extend physical search efforts into Pulaski County, Illinois, following a cold case tip.

Investigation:

Detectives from the Evansville Police Department collaborated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Federal and local law enforcement continue to treat the matter as an active criminal investigation with cold case leads.

Investigative teams have followed leads extending across state borders into Illinois to locate evidence or trace the vehicle’s trajectory. Anyone who may have seen the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban on or after June 21, 2020, is urged to submit details to investigators.

Community Response:

Family members and local advocacy groups maintain dedicated efforts to keep the case visible across regional media. Her family has established an $8,500 reward fund for actionable information leading to answers.

Community volunteers and search organizations have conducted physical searches, distributed informational posters, and erected regional billboards. Family members continue to organize local events to raise awareness and support search operations.

Family Statements:

Relatives emphasize that Wilkerson maintained constant contact with her mother and six children, making her sudden silence entirely uncharacteristic. They express profound concern regarding her health and safety given her lack of access to critical prescribed medication.

Her family continues to appeal to the public for assistance, urging anyone with even minor details to speak with investigators. They maintain that community tips remain the key to determining what happened and bringing her home.

Physical Appearance:

Dawnita Wilkerson is an African American female who stood 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighed approximately 145 pounds at the time of her disappearance. She has dark hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a faded red St. Louis Cardinals t-shirt, cut-off denim shorts, and dark socks with polka dots. Her distinct tattoos include a heart on her lower back, a cross on her upper-left shoulder, and praying hands with the name “Timmy” on her upper-right shoulder.

Current Status:

Dawnita Wilkerson remains missing, and her disappearance is classified as an active missing person case with suspected foul play. Law enforcement agencies continue to review new tips and conduct targeted searches.

Contact Information:

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Dawnita Wilkerson is urged to contact the Evansville Police Department at (812) 436-7979 or their anonymous tip line at (812) 435-6194.

Information can also be provided directly to the FBI Indianapolis Field Office at (317) 595-4000, by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or via email at finddawnitawilkerson@gmail.com.

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