Tameika Watley: Remains of Missing Mother of Six, Identified in Louisiana

In June 2024, 37-year-old Tameika Watley, a mother of six, spoke with her family for the last time, and mysteriously vanished. 

A year later, in June 2025, human remains were discovered in a wooded area along Highway 90 West in Vinton, Louisiana. 

On September 5, 2025, after multiple tests, authorities confirmed that those remains belonged to Tameika.

Tameika’s family first grew worried when she missed several birthdays and family gatherings in summer 2024. 

According to her sister, Miranda Watley, this was completely out of character. “She never missed holidays. She never missed birthdays,” Miranda told Dateline.

By July 23, 2024, after weeks without any contact, Miranda filed a missing person’s report with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO). 

Investigators later shared that Tameika had no permanent address or working phone at the time of her disappearance, and was often seen in areas around Lake Charles, including See Street, Railroad Avenue, 12th Street, and North Booker Street.

Following the report, detectives conducted interviews, carried out searches, and followed possible leads. 

A friend claimed to have seen Tameika on June 25, 2024, in Lake Charles, carrying what looked like a beach bag but despite this sighting, the case went cold.

However, one year later, in June 2025, authorities found human bones which were taken to a lab for examination.

On September 5, 2025, the CPSO announced that the LSU FACES Lab positively identified the remains as Tameika’s, as per PEOPLE. 

The news devastated her family but also gave them closure after more than a year of searching.

Her daughter, Tayvia Thierry, expressed frustration, telling KPLC News: “It makes it even worse because we don’t know, but somebody knows something"

Miranda later confirmed the tragic news on a GoFundMe page created to raise money for Tameika’s memorial. 

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of our beloved sister, Tameika. Her remains were identified Friday, September 5, 2025, and our family is deeply heartbroken,” she wrote.

The sheriff’s office said the they have not seen any signs of foul play but Tameika’s family believes otherwise.

The investigation into Tameika Watley’s death is ongoing and authorities have encouraged anyone with information to call 337-491-3605.