Missing 9,855 Days: Marcus Rutledge

Disappearance and Immediate Aftermath (June 1998)

Marcus Tsehay Rutledge was a 23-year-old aspiring father and Tennessee State University student, living in Nashville while caring for his 2-year-old daughter and navigating life as a single young parent.

On June 8, 1998 he made one of his last known calls dropping off his daughter at daycare in the morning and speaking with his girlfriend, Tawania, around 1:30 PM.

Later that day, when he failed to attend a scheduled visit, signs of sudden disappearance emerged: his apartment was locked from the inside, his loyal Rottweiler left alone inside, and there was no indication he planned to leave town .

Abandoned Car & Rising Fears

Weeks later, on June 30, 1998 his red 1995 Plymouth Neon a car Marcus frequently drove was found abandoned in the parking lot of Riverwood Apartments (Cabot Drive, West Nashville).

Inside were Marcus’s Michigan license plates, a handgun (he reportedly carried for protection), but no evidence suggesting he left voluntarily .

These findings, paired with his sudden absence, immediately ruled out a disappearing act. His loved ones and authorities began fearing foul play.