In a chilling reminder of unresolved mysteries, the case of Naomi Wilson, a 32-year-old Black woman who vanished from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on April 12, 1981, remains unsolved after 40 years. Naomi, last seen leaving her home to visit a friend, disappeared without a trace, and her car was discovered two days later in a Kmart parking lot—abandoned and with no signs of foul play. Friends and family immediately launched desperate searches, but their efforts yielded no clues.

Despite the passage of time, Naomi’s story is not forgotten, as advocates renew calls for justice and answers. The Cedar Rapids Police Department has long suspected foul play, yet evidence remains scarce, leaving Naomi’s family in anguish. They describe her as a dedicated employee with no reason to abandon her life, but the police investigation has been criticized for its lack of urgency. Colbert Beats, her boyfriend at the time, expressed frustration over the police’s response, noting that he had to take matters into his own hands when Naomi didn’t return home.

Even as her loved ones continue to seek closure, the case has remained cold. Naomi’s brothers have submitted DNA for potential matches, yet the search for answers persists in the shadows of an enduring mystery. With each passing year, the urgency to uncover the truth intensifies. As we mark the 40th anniversary of her disappearance, community members and advocates are rallying to keep Naomi’s story alive, urging anyone with information to come forward. Naomi Wilson deserves justice, and her family deserves answers. If you have any information about Naomi’s case, please contact the Cedar Rapids Police Department.