Key Highlights
- Tina Sinclair and her daughter Bethany vanished in February 2001.
- The last known sighting was on February 4, 2001, during an argument with Tina’s boyfriend, Van Bowman Jr.
- An unidentified woman called the school to say Bethany was ill and wouldn’t attend classes on February 5.
- No signs of Tina or Bethany were found in extensive searches over two decades.
- Tina’s sister believed she left due to Van’s abusive behavior, leading to an argument in October 2000.
The Silent Disappearance: A Case Unsolved for Two Decades
In February 2001, Tina Sinclair and her daughter Bethany vanished without a trace. The last time anyone saw them was on the weekend of February 3-4 in Chesterfield, New Hampshire.
On February 4, an argument between Tina and Van Bowman Jr., known by his middle name, Van, led to their disappearance. When he returned later that day, they were not there. All their clothes were gone, but the rest of their belongings remained at the house, including Tina’s vehicle and her cat.
Unexplained Calls and Speculation
The case took a strange turn on February 5 when an unidentified woman called Bethany’s school to report that she was ill and wouldn’t be attending classes. This call was a stark reminder of how little information surfaced in the days following their disappearance.
Tina’s sister expressed concern over Bethany’s safety due to Van’s criminal record, specifically mentioning his history of touching his eight-year-old daughter. This incident occurred after Tina had just graduated from cosmetology school and planned to open a beauty salon. Her bank account, credit cards, and cell phone showed no activity since her disappearance.
Investigations and Theories
No arrests have been made in the case, and Van has reportedly refused to cooperate with authorities. Extensive searches of the area have not revealed any signs of Tina or Bethany over two decades. His home bordered the river where he was last seen on February 4 at 4:30 a.m., adding another layer of mystery.
Tina’s sister believes they were preparing to leave together, suggesting that Tina did not abandon her daughter. The relationship between them had been rocky, and Tina’s sister felt she might have left due to Van’s abusive behavior.
A Cold Case That Echoes Through Time
The Sinclairs’ case remains unsolved, a haunting reminder of what can happen when families are torn apart by violence. Tina was 34 at the time and would turn 60 this year. Bethany was just 15 and would be turning 41 in February.
If anyone has information about their whereabouts or knows anything that could help solve this case, they are urged to contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit at (603) 271-2663. This case serves as a stark warning of the importance of vigilance and support for missing persons.
