Content Warning: Sensitive content involving the tragic death of a minor. Viewer discretion advised.
Disclaimer:
Information is sourced from public records for educational purposes under fair use. Opinions are solely my own and not intended to accuse or harm anyone. I do not endorse any illegal actions stemming from this content.
Personal Note:
It's been a while since I've worked on a case, so I may be a bit out of practice. My work is freely available for use. While credit is appreciated, it's not required; my focus is on the pursuit of truth and justice. I'm also trying a new shorter format here. If you want the full unhinged detailed deep dive then this is the link you want: FULL DOSE
Case Overview
On a cold day in November 1976, two rabbit hunters stumbled upon skeletal remains near McDaniel Lake in Springfield, Missouri. These remains, scattered by animals and partially buried, would later be identified as belonging to 17-year-old Tina Sue Spencer. What happened to Tina is a heartbreaking story of a young teen taken too soon, and, tragically, her case remains unsolved to this day.
Shortened Timeline of Disappearance and Discovery:
- January 5, 1976: Tina leaves home, possibly to hitchhike to Florida.
- March 1976: Last confirmed sighting in Springfield, dropped off by a taxi at a friend's house that she never reached.
- November 28, 1976: Her remains are found, identified by dental records and an orthopedic plate from previous surgery.
Who Was Tina Sue Spencer?
Tina Sue Spencer was born in 1958 and lived in Nevada, Missouri. Like many teenagers, she faced her own challenges, but she was known to her family and friends as a kind, quiet girl. At the age of 17, she left her home on January 5th, 1976, and was never seen alive again.
According to reports, Tina may have intended to hitchhike to Florida after spending a few days at motels in Lebanon and Springfield, Missouri. Sadly, under Missouri law at the time, a 17-year-old was not considered a juvenile runaway, which likely delayed the urgency of her search.
The Last Sightings
The last confirmed sighting of Tina occurred in March 1976 when a taxi driver picked her up from the Springfield Airport after a flight from Florida. He dropped her off at a house on South Market Street in Springfield, where she was supposed to meet a friend. When her friend never showed, Tina disappeared from that house, and no one ever saw her again. Her family heard from her once over the phone, but that brief contact was all they had. Afterward, there were no new clues, no sightings, and no answers.
Discovery of Her Remains
Fast forward to November 28, 1976—nearly a year after she went missing. Two young men hunting near McDaniel Lake discovered human bones scattered across the ground. Along with the remains, there were fragments of clothing: a sweatshirt, jean cut-offs, and leather moccasins.
Dental records confirmed the remains as Tina’s, and an orthopedic plate on her hip, from a surgery she had years earlier, helped seal the identification. Authorities determined that she had been strangled to death, her body left in a shallow grave not far from where the remains of another girl, Shirley Jane Rose, had been discovered.
Theories and Possible Connections
What makes Tina’s case even more unsettling is the proximity of her remains to those of 9-year-old Shirley Jane Rose. Shirley had been abducted and strangled just months earlier in December 1975. While no official connection has been made, the similarities between the cases—two young girls, strangled and buried within a mile of each other—led law enforcement to investigate the possibility that both were victims of the same killer.
Unfortunately, neither case has been solved, and investigators never found enough solid evidence to definitively link the two murders.
An Unsolved Mystery
Despite the efforts of detectives and a full-scale investigation, no arrests have been made in connection to Tina Sue Spencer’s death. For years, law enforcement pursued leads, trying to piece together her movements before she disappeared. But like many cold cases, time has been a cruel factor, and without new evidence or witnesses coming forward, the case remains frustratingly stagnant.
A Family’s Ongoing Heartbreak
For Tina’s family, the pain of losing a loved one in such a violent, senseless way is made even worse by the lack of justice. It’s not just about solving a case—it’s about the closure and the peace that comes with knowing the truth. Tina’s stepmother, Annabell, and her biological mother, Della Mae, both sought answers, but sadly, they passed away without ever knowing what happened to their daughter.
Tina was laid to rest at Moore Cemetery in Nevada, Missouri, her gravestone marking her short life but leaving so many questions unanswered.
Could Tina’s Case Still Be Solved?
While the case remains cold, there’s always hope that someone, somewhere, might know something. Advances in forensic technology have helped crack cases that seemed impossible to solve, and with the right lead, Tina’s story could still have its conclusion. However, for now, it remains one of the many tragic, unsolved cases from the 1970s.
Final Thoughts
The story of Tina Sue Spencer is a haunting reminder that not every case receives the attention it deserves, and that justice can sometimes feel out of reach. But by telling her story, we can help keep her memory alive and ensure that she isn’t forgotten. Every unsolved case deserves attention, no matter how much time has passed.
If you’ve taken the time to read about Tina today, thank you. And remember, even the smallest piece of information can make all the difference in cases like this.
Personal Reflection: I offer a prayer to Santa Muerte for justice for Tina, respecting all beliefs. If unwelcome, I invite direct contact for respectful dialogue.
Santa Muerte, I humbly ask you to guide Tina Sue Spencer to justice and bring comfort to her spirit. May the truth be revealed.
Relevant Sources for Tina Sue Spencer's Case:
- City of Springfield, Missouri
- Official webpage providing case details and any updates.
- City of Springfield - Tina Sue Spencer
- Newspaper Articles
- Coverage on the discovery of Tina's remains and subsequent investigations.
- Mexico Ledger
- Springfield Leader and Press
- Olathe News
- The Springfield News-Leader
- Find A Grave Memorial
- Memorial page for Tina Sue Spencer providing details about her burial and family.
- Find A Grave - Tina Sue Spencer
- Justice for Shirley Jane Rose Website
- Details on the case of Shirley Jane Rose, potentially linked to Tina's case.
- Justice for Shirley Jane Rose
- FamilySearch Profile
- Genealogy profile providing background information on Tina Sue Spencer.
- FamilySearch - Tina Sue Spencer
- Springfield News-Leader
- Articles detailing the timeline and various investigations into Tina's disappearance.
- Articles on case updates and interviews with law enforcement.
- Archives and Historical Information
- Springfield-Greene County Library Archives
- Missouri Department of Conservation (Information about McDaniel Lake and the area)
- Cold Case Tip Form
- Direct link for submitting tips related to Tina Sue Spencer's unsolved case.
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