Rita Shaw Vanished From New Orleans In 2011

The missing person case involving Rita Shaw hasn’t seen any movement since 2011. On April 1 of that year, the 44-year-old disappeared from New Orleans, Louisiana. Unfortunately, as are many of the cases covered here on Our Black Girls, Rita’s case hasn’t had much coverage, nor have the details been shared with the public. There is little work with, but I’ve pieced together the bits I could find.

Back in 2011, The Times-Picayune wrote a brief report about Rita Shaw and stated that Rita and her mother lived together on the 4700 block of Cerise Avenue. Rita’s mother last saw her there, but it is unclear if Rita traveled somewhere, if someone picked her up and left to another location, or if Rita disappeared sometime in the evening. Information regarding Rita’s personal relationships and employment is unknown, as well.

It was noted by police spokeswoman Shereese Harper at the time Rita Shaw had a mental illness and requires medication. Rita’s mother also told authorities that it was uncharacteristic for Rita to go missing without notifying her loved ones. There has been no contact with Rita since she disappeared. The Times-Picayune also lists Rita’s missing person date as May 16, 2011.

At the time of her disappearance, Rita Shaw stood 5 feet 9 inches tall and was 220 pounds. She had black/dark brown hair and brown eyes. She may be wearing a wig due to her thinning hair. Rita has a scar on her back and possibly a scar on her right wrist. Her middle name is “Marie.” Her dental records are on file, but I couldn’t track down information regarding her DNA. She would be 54-years-old at the time of this publication.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the New Orleans Police Department at 504-658-6077 or their local authorities. Her agency case number is E024293-11 and the alternative case number is M690030645.

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