There is a lot of buzz on the internet about the mysterious case of Christina Whittaker, which has puzzled law enforcement for more than ten years.
Filmmaker Christina Fontana is on a quest to uncover the truth about the disappearance of Christina Whittaker, a young mother who went missing from the small town of Hannibal in Missouri. ‘Relentless’ is a true-crime series, and it’s a Discovery original.
This unresolved case has confounded officials for almost 12 years. Each attempt to review it has unearthed theories of betrayal, suicide, and murder. Hence, this six-part series dives deep into the intricate search for a missing person.
Who is Christina Whittaker?
Christina Whittaker, at 21, lived in the Oakwood neighborhood of Hannibal, Missouri, with her 6-month-old baby named Alexandria. Her mother described her as having a childlike demeanor due to her mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and bipolar disorder.
Despite her mental challenges, Christina had a strong bond with her family. No one believed she would leave them, especially her daughter. Her psychiatric medication made her vulnerable to manipulation, opening the possibility of someone taking advantage of her.
What Occurred with Christina Whittaker?
The events of November 13, 2009, remain shrouded in mystery. She went out with friends to Rookie’s Sports Bar at 600 Broadway and later to Sportsman at 611, where she consumed a significant amount of alcohol. Eventually, she was asked to leave due to her disruptive behavior while intoxicated.
Subsequently, she departed 15 minutes before midnight, seeking a ride home from multiple people, all of whom declined. Distressed, she walked away and has not been seen since.
The only evidence found by authorities after her disappearance was her smartphone, located near the 200 block of Seventh Street, a few blocks from her last known location.
Her boyfriend was initially a person of interest, as he was the last person to contact her. However, Christina’s sister, Cindy, vouched for him, explaining that he was at their home caring for Christina’s child that night.
Progress in the Christina Whittaker Disappearance Case
Following the report of Christina Whittaker’s disappearance and the launch of investigations, the only credible evidence recovered by the police was her cellphone.
It was found on the ground in the 200 block of Seventh Street, a short distance from where she was last seen. Although she had intended to be home by midnight after stopping at a nearby restaurant to buy food for her boyfriend, Travis Blackwell, no further clues about her whereabouts have emerged.
Travis Blackwell appears to be a key figure in the case. He was one of the last people Christina called at around 10:30 p.m., but he failed two polygraph tests in early 2010 when he appeared on ‘The Steve Wilkos Show.’
He went on the show with Christina’s mother, Cindy Young, and other family members to publicize his girlfriend’s sudden disappearance. However, his nervous demeanor during the polygraph raised suspicions when asked if he was involved in the case.
Following the show, Cindy defended Travis, revealing that he had been at their home, caring for Christina’s daughter all through the night of November 13.
He was the one who informed Cindy that Christina had not returned home, and she waited until the next day, the 15th, to report it. Additionally, Cindy stated that Christina’s boyfriend took a polygraph test at the Hannibal Police Department after the show and passed. Along with the rest of the family, she believes in his innocence.
Another significant concern is Christina’s irregular use of her prescribed medications, despite being on them since the age of 18.
It is known that alcohol consumption with bipolar medication can elevate the risk of impulsive and reckless behavior, potentially leading to suicide and harm. Even Cindy acknowledged that Christina had expressed suicidal thoughts in the past. However, purported sightings of Christina in Illinois have occurred, evading positive identification by law enforcement officials.
Shortly before her disappearance, Christina had been arrested for driving with a revoked license. Consequently, there is currently a warrant for her arrest due to missing her court date in December. Nonetheless, there has been no trace of her for over a decade.
She is considered to be in danger, and the absence of evidence means officials must pursue every lead and tip with diligence. The case is still open, and authorities seem resolved to only close it when it is definitively resolved.
The Hannibal Police Department has interviewed over 200 people, collaborated with approximately 45 different agencies, including the FBI, and explored leads from coast to coast.
Christina or any sign of her has not been found, making it an exceptional case for the HPD. They continue to encourage tips via (573)-221-0987 or online. According to the Help Find Christina Whittaker Facebook page, a $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to closure. The circumstances of her disappearance, whether it was intentional, self-inflicted, or a criminal act, remain unclear.
