The Disappearance of Tristen "Buddy" Myers: A 25-Year Mystery

 

Introduction

On October 5, 2000, four-year-old Tristen Alan "Buddy" Myers vanished from his great-aunt and uncle's home in Roseboro, North Carolina. Despite extensive searches and media attention, his whereabouts remain unknown. This blog post delves into the details of Tristen's life, disappearance, and the ongoing investigation, aiming to shed light on this enduring mystery.​

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Early Life and Background

Born on July 16, 1996, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Tristen was the son of 15-year-old Raven Myers. Due to her young age and circumstances, Raven's parents, Robert and Sally Myers, took custody of Tristen. The family resided in Metairie, Louisiana.​

Tristen's early years were marked by hardship. At age three, he suffered a broken leg and head injuries after being accidentally run over by his grandfather, who was reportedly under the influence at the time. In 2000, as Sally's health deteriorated, Robert sought help from his brother, John Myers, and his wife, Donna, who lived in Roseboro, North Carolina. They agreed to take in Tristen, and in August 2000, he moved into their home. ​

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Behavioral Challenges

Upon his arrival in Roseboro, Tristen exhibited severe behavioral issues. He was described as emotionally and physically underdeveloped, with limited speech and comprehension abilities. His guardians reported that he was aggressive toward other children and engaged in self-harming behaviors. Notably, he allegedly killed one of the family's dogs 11 days before his disappearance. Following this incident, Tristen was taken to a psychiatric hospital for evaluation. Doctors noted his developmental delays but were unable to complete a full assessment due to his limited communication skills. ​

Prior Incident

Three days after being released from the hospital, Tristen wandered away from his guardians' home. A neighbor found him half a mile away at a farm and returned him. In response, John and Donna installed a buzzer on the back door to alert them if he tried to leave again. However, they did not place one on the front door. ​

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The Day of Disappearance

On October 5, 2000, while Donna was napping, Tristen left the house through the front door, accompanied by the family's two dogs: Buck, a three-legged tan Chihuahua mix, and Sasha, a black Doberman puppy. When Donna awoke, she discovered Tristen and the dogs were gone. She immediately called 911, sparking an extensive search involving local authorities and volunteers. Searchers combed a ten-acre wooded area near the home, but no trace of Tristen was found. The search was scaled down on October 10. ​

The Dogs Return

Later on October 10, Buck returned home alone, prompting authorities to resume the search. Despite renewed efforts, Tristen remained missing. On October 14, Sasha also returned. Interestingly, neither dog showed signs of having been in the woods, adding another layer of mystery to the case. ​

Investigation and Theories

Investigators have explored various theories regarding Tristen's disappearance. Some believe he may have drowned in a nearby pond, though searches yielded no evidence. Others suspect he was abducted by a stranger. In April 2003, a boy resembling Tristen was found in Illinois, sparking hope. However, DNA tests confirmed he was not Tristen, but a child named Timothy Trandel. ​

Family Tragedies

Tristen's mother, Raven Myers, tragically died in March 2004 after jumping from a moving vehicle in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Robert and Sally Myers have also passed away since Tristen's disappearance. John Myers died in January 2015 at age 67. Donna survives but no longer lives on Microwave Tower Road. ​

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Ongoing Efforts

As of 2025, Tristen "Buddy" Myers would be 28 years old. The case remains open, with the Sampson County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation continuing to seek information. Volunteer investigator Al Mignacci has taken a personal interest in the case, following up on leads and keeping Tristen's story alive. ​

Interactive Questions

What measures could have been taken to prevent Tristen's disappearance?

How might Tristen's behavioral issues have contributed to his disappearance?

What do the returning dogs suggest about the circumstances of Tristen's disappearance?

How can communities better support families with children who have special needs?

What role does media coverage play in missing person cases?

Conclusion

The disappearance of Tristen "Buddy" Myers remains one of North Carolina's most perplexing cold cases. Despite the passage of time, hope persists that answers will emerge. If you have any information about Tristen's disappearance, please contact the Sampson County Sheriff's Office at (910) 592-4141 or the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation at (800) 334-3000.​

Trace Evidence

Note: This blog post is based on information available from various sources, including The Charley Project, True Crime Diva, and official law enforcement agencies.