“We want everyone to know that this investigation has not provided any evidence that foul play or any criminal activity has occurred. All evidence at this time is pointing to the fact that Sharla Shaffer left under her own ability and choosing to go to an unknown location,” Erath County Sheriff Matt Coates said.
The investigation is underway regarding the disappearance of Sharla Shaffer, a 47-year-old female from Stephenville who has been missing since Friday, July 29.
On Tuesday, Aug. 2 the Erath County Sheriff’s Department released the following information:
“A diligent search of the property where Sharla Shaffer was last seen was searched on Tuesday, Aug. 2 by local and state law enforcement officers.
Investigators from the Erath County Sheriff’s Office along with volunteers from local Fire Departments both Erath County Constables offices and the Erath County EMS conducted a search of to the property where Sharla was last seen along with the adjacent properties.
Search dogs from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a cadaver dog from the Texas Parks and Wildlife were also involved in the search today. The search has not produced any evidence yet as to her location.
The property where she was last seen has been searched by drone, and on foot, on Saturday. On Sunday, July 31, outlining county roads were searched in Erath County on into Hood County. On Monday, Aug. 1, during the evening a helicopter from the Texas Department of Public Safety was on scene flying the area she was last seen in.
Then on Tuesday another detailed foot search of all known family property was conducted. Sharla Shaffer’s residence in Stephenville has also been searched thoroughly by investigators.
The bicycle that was originally reported as missing was discovered at the residence today by members of the family. The Sheriff’s Office investigators along with a Texas Department of Public Safety Ranger have been conducting interviews of all involved parties.
What we know so far is that Sharla talked to her daughter late Friday evening along with another family member shortly before she was reported as missing. A note was found by a family member Friday afternoon that is believed to have been written by Sharla. That note was given to law enforcement as part of the investigation.
Sharla is not known to have any electronic devices with her at this time. She is known to be a long-distance crosscountry runner and bicyclist. So, distance traveling would not be difficult for Sharla. All law enforcement agencies that can be involved in this type of missing person circumstance have been contacted and are involved in the search.
What we are asking for right now is for the public to stay away from the immediate area if at all possible.
If you live on a neighboring property on CR 491, CR 179 or CR 178 and have any out buildings and or hunting camps areas please let us know so they can also be checked by law enforcement officers. Under no circumstances do we want the public to enter any questionable buildings or dwellings searching for Sharla.”
Anyone having any information can contact the Erath County Sheriff’s Department at 254-965-3338.