In a chilling case that has haunted Highland Falls, New York, for over 16 years, the mysterious disappearance of 30-year-old mother Petra Muhammad remains unsolved. Last seen on January 7, 2006, Petra was in the midst of a tumultuous divorce, juggling the challenges of motherhood and her education. That fateful day, she paid her phone bill, finalized divorce paperwork, and went to the mall—but vanished without a trace.

Petra’s family reported her missing weeks later when she failed to make contact, and suspicions quickly turned to her estranged husband, William. His bizarrely casual demeanor and lack of urgency raised red flags for investigators. Despite executing search warrants on their shared home, police uncovered disturbing evidence, including her personal belongings and signs of a violent past. The search yielded no substantial leads, and William’s nonchalant attitude only fueled suspicions.

Authorities initially treated the case as a missing person’s investigation, despite growing evidence suggesting foul play. Numerous tips about her potential whereabouts led nowhere, and William’s claims that Petra had simply “run off” raised eyebrows. He continued to deny involvement, even as he moved on with his life, gaining custody of their son.

As time passed, the case grew colder, sparking outrage and frustration among Petra’s family, who felt law enforcement had not taken her disappearance seriously. In 2014, a body found in LaGrange was initially thought to be Petra’s, but DNA testing confirmed it wasn’t her. Now, 16 years later, Petra’s family and investigators are pleading for any information that could lead to closure.

Petra Muhammad was last seen in January 2006. She is described as 5’7″, weighing 133 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. If you have any information about Petra or the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, please contact the Highland Falls Police Department. Her story, like so many others, deserves to be heard, and justice must prevail.