Gone in 13 Minutes: The Mysterious Death of a Georgia Hairdresser
In April 2004, Patrice Endres vanished from her bustling hair salon in Cumming, Georgia, leaving only a few puzzling clues behind. Her sudden disappearance ignited a mystery that would span decades, drawing in investigators, family members, and even the public, all searching for answers. Now, 20 years later, questions remain: What really happened to Patrice Endres?
A Day Interrupted
On the morning of April 15, 2004, 38-year-old Patrice Endres was at her salon, Tamber's Trim 'N Tan, handling appointments as usual. At 11:37 a.m., she made a phone call, but when another call came through at 11:50 a.m., she didn't answer. Investigators soon discovered that within those 13 minutes, she had vanished without a trace.
At the scene, police found her lunch left uneaten near the counter, the cash register drawer open with money missing, and her car keys present, though her vehicle had been moved from its usual spot. Two witnesses later reported seeing a blue car outside the salon, with a man and woman struggling in the front seat. But despite these hints, no immediate answers were found.
Discovery of Remains and Missing Clues
Over a year later, in December 2005, Endres' remains were discovered behind Lebanon Baptist Church in Dawson County, Georgia. The only missing item was her distinctive wedding ring — a marquis diamond on two soldered bands. Authorities hoped the ring's disappearance might provide a lead, but it has yet to be found.
Theory 1: A Serial Killer Strikes
One theory involves Gary Michael Hilton, the notorious "National Forest Serial Killer." Between 2005 and 2008, Hilton killed several hikers in Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. Known for frequenting salons and stores at lunchtime, Hilton matched the pattern of Endres' disappearance. The TV show "Unsolved Mysteries" highlighted his lack of an alibi for the day she vanished. To date, however, no direct evidence links Hilton to Endres.
Image of convicted serial killer Gary Hilton. Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Corrections. Public domain.
Theory 2: A Confession and a Retraction
Another suspect, Jeremy Jones, is a convicted killer who was on death row for another murder when he confessed to killing a woman at a Georgia hair salon. He described luring her outside to help jumpstart his car, then killing her after she pleaded for her life. Jones later retracted his confession, claiming he fabricated the story to gain privileges in jail. Some investigators remain suspicious, noting that he seemed to know specific details about Endres' case. But with no physical evidence connecting him, his confession alone has not been enough to solve the mystery.
Theory 3: Suspicion Falls on Her Husband
Suspicion also surrounded Endres' husband, Rob. Known for his controlling behavior, Rob's actions after his wife's disappearance raised red flags for her son, Pistol Black, and others close to her. Rob changed the locks on their home shortly after her disappearance and refused to let Pistol retrieve his belongings. Rob maintains he had nothing to do with her disappearance and provided an alibi with a gas station receipt. Yet, to those closest to her, Rob's strange behavior remains troubling.
Today, the case of Patrice Endres remains unsolved, and authorities continue to seek leads in hopes of finally uncovering what happened on that spring morning in 2004. Although the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is still accepting tips, the true story behind her disappearance remains locked within those 13 minutes, leaving her family and community waiting for the day they might learn the truth.
Authorities encourage anyone with information to reach out to the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the GBI website or by using the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
References: Unsolved Mysteries Fans Think They Solved Patrice Endres's Murder | Unsolved murder: 20 years since Forsyth County hairstylist, mom was killed
