She woke at 4 a.m. to a text that read "I love you." He was already gone, and so was his car.
Daniel Reaves, 25, vanished from Madison, Indiana, in the early morning hours of May 4, 2008. More than a decade and a half later, he remains missing.
A Quiet Night, Then Nothing
Daniel, a former Indiana University Southeast student described by his family as shy but happy, spent the evening of May 3, 2008, with his girlfriend of seven years, Sara Schafer, at her home in Jefferson County. She fell asleep around 2 a.m. while the two watched TV. When she woke around 4 a.m., she found a text from Daniel reading "I love you" — but he and his car were gone. She tried calling him back and got no response. It was the last contact anyone had with him.
A Car Found, and a Timeline That Doesn't Add Up
Daniel's parents reported him missing after he failed to return home. On May 10, 2008, police located his abandoned gold 1999 Chrysler Sebring on Green Hills Drive in Madison, roughly 30 minutes from Sara's home. Evidence suggested the car had actually been parked there since around 11 p.m. on May 3 — hours before Sara says she was still with him. That discrepancy has never been resolved.
Belongings Left Behind
The unlocked car still contained Daniel's wallet, cash, ID, and credit cards. His keys and cell phone, however, were missing, and phone records showed his cell hadn't been used since the night he vanished.
A Search That Turned Up Nothing
Investigators searched the surrounding area extensively, including Clifty Falls State Park, a location Daniel had hiked before. No new evidence was found. Authorities were unable to determine whether foul play was involved or whether Daniel had left voluntarily; his family has maintained it would have been entirely out of character for him to walk away from his life and loved ones.
Still Missing
Daniel's family has continued to hope for a breakthrough in the years since. A $1,000 reward remains available for information leading to his location.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kentuckiana Crime Stoppers at 502-582-CLUE (2583), the Indiana State Police at 812-689-5000, or the Madison Police Department at 812-265-3347.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Daniel Reaves ever been found?
No. He remains missing, and his case has never been resolved.
Is there a timeline inconsistency in the case?
Yes. His girlfriend said she was with him until roughly 2 a.m., but evidence suggested his car had already been parked at its discovery location since around 11 p.m. the night before.
Is there a reward for information?
Yes, up to $1,000 for information leading to his location.