Authorities in Boonville urge increased focus on the case of missing Indiana resident Donna Hatfield, last spotted in 2019.
Going Back to Square One: Another Year Passes in the Search for Missing Mother Donna Hatfield
Hey there! Let's chat about a heart-wrenching mystery that's been tugging at the hearts of a family for over half a decade.
Mother's Day reminds us of the strong, resilient women in our lives. For Shannon Martin, it's a bitter reminder of the women she can't celebrate with - her mother, Donna Hatfield. Six long years have passed since Donna went missing in Boonville, Indiana.
Donna was a force to be reckoned with. According to Shannon, "Mom could do anything she put her mind to doing. If somebody told her she couldn't do something, she was stubborn enough she was going to plow through and get it done. She was determined." But the determination that once powered Donna's life seemed to falter as Alzheimer's took hold, leaving behind a trail of confusion, disorientation, and eventual disappearance.
On Friday, May 10, 2025, officials held a press conference to reignite the search for Donna. The Boonville Police Department had three goals: to bring the case back to the public's attention, to paint a picture of Donna, and to find her so she can be laid to rest with her family.
Shannon and other family members shared memories of Donna, painting a vivid picture of a woman who juggled multiple jobs while raising her family. She was a dedicated, hardworking woman who loved her tasks and most of all, her family.
Donna spent her early years in southwest Indiana, marrying at 17 and having three children. She held multiple jobs over the years, from sales associate to pharmacy tech to bakery manager. After retiring, she moved to Boonville, where she had many friends.
Tragedy struck when her husband passed away two years after their move. Alzheimer's soon took over, causing her to forget small things and eventually lose interest in eating. The disease progressed, leaving Shannon concern for her mother's safety, as she was living alone.
In 2015, her son Thomas Rainey moved in to take care of her. But her disappearance in August 2019 left Shannon and her family stunned and searching for answers.
Since then, the Boonville Police Department has followed numerous leads. Search warrants have been executed, outside agencies have been contacted, and tech assistance has been provided by the FBI. However, Donna is still missing.
The FBI's acting special agent in charge, Dominique Evans, spoke at the press conference, emphasizing the importance of each detail. "Even the smallest detail can be crucial. A piece of information that might seem insignificant to you, can help solve this case." Mike Perry, the Warrick County prosecutor, stressed that the case is still active and that nothing is being ruled out.
Shannon is still hopeful that her mother will be found and that someone comes forward with information. "I'm hopeful that someone knows something." A reward of up to $10,000 will be considered by the family if any tip leads to the discovery of Donna's remains.
Donna is 5'4" tall, weighs 125 lbs., has grey hair, hazel eyes, and wears glasses. If you have any information about Donna's disappearance, please contact the Boonville Police Department, Warrick County Dispatch, Warrick County Prosecutor's Office, Indiana State Police, the FBI, or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
Let's not forget our mothers, grandmothers, and the women who have shaped our lives. Let's help bring Donna Hatfield home.
- Science and neurological disorders, specifically Alzheimer's disease, have significantly impacted Donna Hatfield's life and the search for her, as her deteriorating condition triggered her mysterious disappearance.
- Health and wellness, particularly aging and medical conditions, become an crucial aspect in the investigation of Donna Hatfield's disappearance, given that her Alzheimer's disease had weakened her memory and judgment.
- General news headlines and crime and justice sectors have been buzzing with the ongoing mystery of Donna Hatfield's disappearance, as authorities strive to bring attention to her case and to bring her home.
- The mysterious disappearance of Donna Hatfield, a woman known for her resilience and determination, serves as a reminder of the devastating effects that Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders can have on families, leading many to seek understanding and support in the health and wellness community.
