Case of the Month: Teekah Latres Lewis who went missing on January 23, 1999, in Tacoma, Washington.
Teekah was with her family in a bowling alley late in the evening. Her mother kept an eye on her except for one moment when she turned to watch her brother bowl. That is when someone snatched Teekah. Someone must have observed this family waiting for that one moment when the watching eyes of Teekah’s family were distracted for the shortest period.
A search was launched immediately. An off-duty police officer working at the bowling alley announced the missing toddler over the intercom, and people searched in the parking lot. But Teekah was gone.
It was reported at the time that a boy who had been inside the bowling alley saw two men hanging around the arcade area, and one appeared to be following Teekah. Police were unable to find who the men were or whether they were involved.
Also, a witness outside the bowling alley reported seeing a late 1980s or early ’90s maroon car, possibly a Pontiac Grand Am, speed away from the parking lot at the time of Teekah’s disappearance. Despite a massive search that included the state’s motor vehicle databases, authorities were unable to find who owned such a vehicle and if it had anything to do with the case.
In 2010, police received a tip and followed up by digging at the Native Garden at Point Defiance Park. Nothing was found.
In 2012, the case was discussed by Nancy Grace on CNN. A possible break came when a man was interviewed but again, no results.
Here you can see the latest age progression photography.
Teekah was carrying a clear purse with a fish design and attached shoulder strap. In the purse was Starburst candy. She has pierced ears and has naturally reddish glows in her hair.
Teekah is of African-American\Caucasian\Native-American descent and she has a large-sized birthmark on her left buttock and facial dimples. She has patches of discoloration on her face and left buttock due to eczema.
Teekah has asthma and requires medical attention as well as an inhaler or ventilator.
There is a Facebook page for Teekah, you know what to do there.
If you have any information at all about this case, please contact the Tacoma Police Department at 1-253-798-4721. Teekah’s case number is 990231121.
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In the series “Case of the Month” I highlight an old cold case. These posts are never an in-depth analysis and of course, more information can be found online and in newspaper archives. The goal of these posts is to get the case back in the spotlights, to get people talking about it again, and if anything to make sure that we do not forget the victims. Just because their cases are cold does not mean that we can forget about them.
If you have any thoughts about this case I encourage you to post them on your own social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, etc. Every time Teekah gets mentioned online you enhance her digital footprint. We must make sure that she retains her web presence if we ever wish to find her. You can help by linking to or sharing this post.
Thank you for helping me help Teekah Latres Lewis.