Missing Since: 2006-07-15 Location: Goleta, California
Cotton was last seen in the morning hours of July 15, 2006. She left her residence on foot in the vicinity of the 7400 block of San Carpino Avenue in Goleta, California and boarded a bus en route to the Farmer’s Market in Santa Barbara, California. Witness reports are conflicted as to where exactly Cotton was last seen, but it may have been in downtown Goleta at Nectarine and Hollister, where she stopped at a 7-11 store to get a paper. She has never been heard from again. Cotton has gone missing in the past, but she always returned within a day. She was carrying very little money with her when she disappeared in July 2006 and her loved ones do not believe she left of her own accord. Cotton has a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and has previously worked in a laboratory; her speciality was advanced infrared science. She was unable to return to her work after her meningitis episode in 1986. She does not drive; she walks or utilizes public transportation instead. Cotton frequents community centers, markets, libraries and colleges in the Goleta and Santa Barbara areas. Her case remains unsolved. Investigating Agency Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department 805-681-4150 Source Information NamUs Help Find Vickie Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department California Attorney General’s Office North American Missing Persons Network Updated 1 time since October 12, 2004. Last updated January 16, 2007; casefile added.