Things were looking up for Paula Thomason in March of 1997.

She had recently moved from Piedmont, SC to a new house in Greenville, SC, and had started a new job at a bib manufacturer in the area. Paula's family described her in various interviews as always being optimistic, loving to take care of others, and being "happiest when she was helping somebody else". One of Paula's sisters described a time when Paula had nursed a six month old foster child back to health after being born to parents who were struggling with addiction.

Prior to Paula's disappearance, family members recall that she had been calling them more frequently than usual to tell them that she loved them. Her family added in interviews that Paula had made comments about how she was fearing for her life, but she would always refuse to explain why.

Paula was last seen by family members on March 19, 1997 in Greenville, SC.

When her family discovered that she hadn't been seen or heard from by anyone, her family reports her missing. Less than 2 months later, Paula's remains were discovered approximately 26 miles away, in Anderson, SC. Paula's remains were discovered by someone who was collecting fill dirt from an abandoned dumping site in the area. Once authorities arrived at the site, they noted that Paula's body was lying face-down, buried underneath rubble and debris, and had been wrapped up in an unidentified material. Officials added that they believed that Paula's body had been in that location for more than a month. Coroner Greg Shore determined that Paula's probable cause of death was "anterior neck trauma", which was likely caused by strangulation.

Where the case stands today.

In February of 2022, nearly 25 years since Paula was last seen and when her remains were found, officials from the Anderson Police Department reopened Paula's case, looking for new tips and information from the public. Today, it has been nearly 25 years since Paula's remains were discovered in May of 1997.

If you have any information regarding Paula's death, please contact Detective Joe Burke at (864) 353-7871, submit your tip through Crime Stoppers at (888) CRIMESC (888) 274-6372, or through the Anderson Police Department's Tip Line at (864) 231-2263.