43-year-old Stephanie Anne Warner was last seen in Ashland, Oregon on July 4, 2013. She disappeared while returning home from Ashland’s 4th of July parade with her boyfriend, Lennie Ames.
Background
On July 17, 1970, Stephanie “Steph” Anne Warner was born. She was previously a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Warner used to own the Magnolia Grill restaurant. She volunteered for the Jackson County Fuel Committee, an organization that assists low-income families in obtaining heating fuel.
Warner was last seen in a house in the unincorporated community of Ruch, Oregon, at the time of her disappearance.
Disappearance
Warner drove to Ashland, Oregon, on July 4, 2013, to attend the Independence Day parade with her boyfriend, Lennie Ames.
Warner was photographed walking alongside the Jackson County Fuel Committee float. When the parade ended, Warner and her boyfriend drove back to Ruch.
Warner was seen later that afternoon at Stewart Market, a mini-market on Lozier Lane in Medford, Oregon. Warner later dropped Ames off at the Ruch Country Store, where they parted ways around 5:00 p.m., according to Ames.
Warner never returned home that day and has never been heard from again.
A few days later, her mother filed a missing persons report with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office when she couldn’t contact her.
Investigation
Warner left behind all of her personal belongings, including her unattended pets, at home. Her vehicle, a dark green 2004 Nissan Xterra SUV, was discovered parked in her driveway along Highway 238, according to police.
Authorities discovered no evidence of forced entry or foul play in the vehicle or at her residence.
Case Reopened in May 2023
A mushroom hunter discovered what is believed to be human hair and tissue near Stephanie’s home in the 9000 block of Highway 238 on Monday, May 1, 2023. The tissue was identified by the Oregon State Police Forensics Laboratory.
Whereabouts
Authorities believe Stephanie Anne Warner was murdered and that foul play was involved in her disappearance.
Lennie Ames, the primary suspect in Stephanie Warner’s disappearance, has never been charged.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Stephanie Anne Warner please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 774-6800.