Nearly 20 years have passed since Roxanne Paltauf vanished in Austin, Texas. As the anniversary of her disappearance approaches, her family is intensifying efforts to generate new leads in this unresolved case.
On July 7, 2026, it will mark two decades since Roxanne was last seen. Her family is leveraging this somber milestone to raise awareness and remind the public that someone may hold crucial information about her fate.
“It’s been 20 years, and we’ve been searching for her every single day,” stated Rosalynn Schultz, Roxanne’s sister.
Roxanne was only 18 when she disappeared from a Budget Inn located near Rundberg Lane and I-35 in July 2006. According to her boyfriend, the couple had an argument that led her to leave without her belongings.
“Roxanne would never just disappear without contacting us. She had no reason to run away. She had two jobs and was applying to colleges. It was the Fourth of July weekend, and she had many friends and plans. It was completely out of character for her to vanish,” Schultz added.
Since that day, Roxanne has not been seen or heard from again.
For the past two decades, her family has worked tirelessly to keep her memory alive while continuing the search for answers. “We would visit the area around Rundberg and I-35, putting up and distributing flyers. We’ve created shirts in her honor and participated in various documentaries and numerous podcasts about her,” Schultz explained.
Roxanne’s sister, Rozalynn Schultz, fondly recalls her as a vibrant, fun-loving sibling who held the family together. The void left by her disappearance continues to be deeply felt. “Roxanne was the glue to our family. Without her, we’ve struggled immensely. We miss her dearly and wish to find her. If we ever locate her remains, we desire a final resting place to mourn and find closure,” said Schultz.
Last year, Austin police and the FBI conducted a search in South Austin, but it did not produce any leads.
As the 20th anniversary nears, the family is planning to install a billboard in Austin to attract more attention to Roxanne’s case. Despite the time that has elapsed, Schultz affirmatively stated that they remain in contact with investigators and retain hope for answers.
“Many people in Austin are familiar with this case. It has become one of those unsolved mysteries. I look forward to seeing Roxanne’s face on the billboard, reminding everyone that she is not forgotten and that someone out there knows something. Now is the time to speak up,” Schultz expressed.
Anyone with information regarding Roxanne Paltauf’s case is encouraged to contact the Austin Police Department homicide tipline or Crime Stoppers.
