Her twin brother left her with the car for fifteen minutes to get gas. When he came back, she was gone — her purse and keys still inside, no sign of a struggle.
Who Was Leanne
Martha Leanne Green, known as Leanne, was a 17-year-old junior at Dickson County High School in Tennessee, described by classmates as quiet and responsible. She worked as a hostess at a local Holiday Inn and regularly attended church with her family.
The Disappearance
On the night of April 15, 1987, Leanne's twin brother, Lawson, was driving her home from work in a borrowed car when it ran out of gas on Highway 46 near the Pomona community. A passing family stopped to offer help. Lawson left to get gas, leaving Leanne with the car; he returned about 15 minutes later to find her gone, with her purse and the keys left behind and no sign of a struggle.
The Search
A large search effort involving local police, search teams, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation combed the surrounding area, checked motels, and set up roadblocks in the days that followed. A pile of clothing found nearby turned out to belong to someone else. Citing a lack of leads, the active search was called off just three days after Leanne vanished, though investigators continued following leads for years afterward.
A Possible Suspect
Years later, a Florida inmate confessed to Leanne's murder and led investigators to several locations where he claimed to have buried her, but no evidence was found at any of them. He later recanted his confession and was killed in prison before the claim could be further verified. He remains considered a person of interest, though the case has never been resolved.
Where the Case Stands
Leanne's case remains unsolved and cold. Her mother, Margie Green, held onto hope of finding her daughter until her own death, having never learned what happened. The Dickson County Sheriff's Office has said it continues to follow up on leads and reports of unidentified remains in the region.
FAQ
Has Martha Leanne Green ever been found?
No. She has never been located, and her case remains unsolved.
Was there ever a suspect in her disappearance?
A Florida inmate confessed to her murder years later but could not lead investigators to any physical evidence and later recanted before he was killed in prison.
Who should be contacted with information about this case?
The Dickson County Sheriff's Office or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.