The Vanishing of Chance Wackerhagen: A Christmas Mystery That Haunts Texas

A Holiday Visit Turns Tragic

In December 1993, nine-year-old Chance Lee Wackerhagen left his mother’s home in Kingsville, Texas, to spend the Christmas holidays with his father, Lee “Dub” Wackerhagen, in Lockhart. Chance's parents had divorced three years earlier, with his mother, Gaye Williams, retaining custody. On Christmas Day, Chance called his mother, expressing joy over his gifts and requesting to extend his stay. She agreed, unaware it would be the last time she would hear from her son.

A Gruesome Discovery

On December 27, 1993, Latricia “Trish” White, Dub’s 38-year-old girlfriend and a nurse at Central Texas Medical Center, failed to report to work. Concerned, her father, Jack White, visited her residence and found her dead in bed, having been shot six times in the head with a .22 caliber weapon. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle, and nothing appeared to be missing. However, Chance's footprint was discovered in the blood at the crime scene, indicating he was present either during or shortly after the murder.

The Disappearance of Dub and Chance

Following the discovery of White’s body, both Dub and Chance were missing. Three days later, Dub’s green 1986 Ford pickup truck was found abandoned in a field in East Austin, approximately 30 miles from Lockhart. Inside the truck were Dub’s hunting rifle, which had not been fired, his wallet, checkbook, toolbox, spare tire, and several bloodstained Christmas gifts, some unopened. The blood did not match White's, suggesting someone else had been injured, though not fatally.

Initial Suspicions and Arrest Warrant

Authorities initially suspected Dub of murdering White and fleeing with Chance. Reports indicated Dub had a volatile temper and a history of verbal abuse towards both White and his ex-wife, Gaye Williams. An arrest warrant was issued for Dub on charges of murder, interference with custody, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. ...Read More

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