Missing: Carmen Cavallero Garth of Belton, TX - 2007
Missing Since - 07-01-2007
Missing From - Belton. Texas
Date of Birth - 11-18-1959 (47 yr old, current age would be 64)
Sex - Female
Race - White
Hair - Black
Eyes - Brown
Height - 5’ 4”
Weight - 115 lbs
Distinguishing Characteristics - Eyeglasses or Contacts. Scars: Left wrist, Left leg, Neck, Elbow, Right Knee.
Aliases/Former Surnames - Sanders, Weller, Cavellero
Carmen was last seen at her home on Lanita Drive in Belton, Texas, on July 1, 2007. While neighbors reported hearing some activity at her residence before she went missing, but there was no immediate cause for concern at the time and police were not notified.
Carmen left behind all of her personal belongings, including her purse, vehicle, and, most importantly, her three children. Known for being organized, she often kept many of her personal items, such as electronic equipment, in her car. While it is possible she had her cell phone with her when she left, it has not been used since July 1.
Her husband, Grant, reported her missing on July 2. He mentioned that they had spent the evening together, him drinking, before he went to bed around 4:00 a.m. and woke up a few hours later to find her gone. Both he and his brother have been considered persons of interest in this investigation.
Grant had a past that included some legal troubles. He had previously been incarcerated for a rape that occurred in 1984, and was a registered sex offender (I currently cannot find his registry.) He was later convicted of delivering marijuana, evading arrest, and three DWIs. He was on bail during the time of Carmen’s disappearance. He was again incarcerated for missing a court date, but was released in May 2009.
Their relationship was riddled with a history of domestic violence. Carmen had once filed for divorce in 2000, it was never finalized, and they remained together.
Both Carmen and Grant faced pending charges at the time of her disappearance, resulting from a violent argument they'd had with each other. Grant had requested a protective order against his wife; Carmen declined one. Grant's parents resided with them in July 2007; he had recently been released from a psychiatric institution.
At the time of her disappearance, Carmen was a successful business owner, running her own janitorial company. She was also an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had five siblings and was especially close to her stepfather. Her sudden absence is highly unusual, and those who know her well believe it is out of character for her to leave without notifying anyone.
This case is still open and foul play is suspected.
If you have any information regarding Carmen’s whereabouts or disappearance, please contact:
Bell County Sheriff's Office - 254-933-5435
Bell County Crime Stoppers - 254-526-8477
