It has been eight years since the Buckner family has seen or heard from Shapammela Latrisha Buckner.
She was 20 years old when she disappeared from the Houston apartment she shared with her boyfriend, shortly after a neighbor and a family member received concerning texts from her. They believe she was involved in an altercation just before she vanished, but police have released few details about the circumstances of her disappearance.
After reports of a disturbance the night before, Shapammela’s landlord stopped by to check on her. When no one answered, the landlord found her door unlocked and called Shapammela’s emergency contact. Family members arrived and found all of her belongings—including her phone, purse, ID, and keys—still inside. It was highly unusual for her to go anywhere without those items. After several days with no sign of her or any communication, Shapammela was reported missing. She was last seen at home the evening of March 21.
Late Tuesday night, a neighbor heard what sounded like an altercation next door. Knowing Shapammela should have been home alone, the neighbor texted to check on her. Shapammela responded that she wasn’t okay and needed help. When the neighbor asked if she should call police, Shapammela said yes—but authorities did not make contact with her that night.
Shapammela’s aunt also received a call from her, claiming she was being attacked in her home. The aunt rushed to the apartment, but someone else answered the door and refused to let her inside, claiming Shapammela wasn’t there. Shapammela did not respond to any more texts or calls that night.
Houston Police and Texas EquuSearch searched the area for Shapammela, believing she may have left the apartment on foot. However, the searches turned up no further clues. Investigators interviewed the neighbor and aunt, then spoke with several more possible witnesses.
Shapammela’s boyfriend was confirmed to have been on base that night, far from their Houston apartment.
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[Feature Photo: Handout]