Name: Star Michelle Palumbo
Age: 25 years old
Last Seen: April 26, 2000
Location: Reno, Nevada
Status: Still missing
Case Information
25 year old Star Palumbo was last seen in Reno, Nevada on April 26, 2000. She was last seen being dropped off at the Reno Hilton Hotel & Casino at 1:30 am.
Background
Star Palumbo lived in Tucson, Arizona with her family until 1999. About a year prior to her disappearance, she moved to Reno, Nevada to live with her grandmother. She was unemployed at the time of her disappearance, and had reportedly became involved with methamphetamine.
Disappearance
Shortly after 12:00 am on April 26, 2000, airport police at the Reno/Tahoe International Airport found Star Palumbo in a restricted area of the facility.
She was believed to be disoriented and possibly hallucinating at the time, stating she was searching for her younger sister who had run out onto the tarmac. Star does not have a younger sister.
After asking for a ride home, an officer dropped her off at the Reno Hilton Hotel & Casino at approximately 1:30 am. There is no record of her ever checking into the hotel. She hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
Investigation
On April 27, 2000, Palumbo’s vehicle was found abandoned at the airport near the baggage claim area. Most her her personal belongings were found inside, including her cell phone and purse that contained $600 in cash.
Authorities also found three e-mails addressed to the White House that Star had written, indicating she believed the federal government was attempting to murder her. Police also found a morbid drawing that depicts a woman bound and gagged, as well as two books on how to change one’s identity.
During a phone call with her mother on April 25, 2000, Star said she believe she was being followed and that her phone was tapped. According to her mother, Star mentioned the possibility of moving back to Arizona to start a new life for herself.
When authorities interviewed Star’s friends they were given conflicting statements about what possibly happened to her. Some friends said Star was trying to change her identity because she owed money for drugs, others said she overdosed and that her body was hidden in the desert. Others believe she was the victim of foul play.
The owner of the Silver Dollar Casino in Elko, Nevada claims she saw Palumbo at her establishment in December of 2000. According to the owner, the woman said her name was Star and became nervous when she was a man looking through the bar’s window. The woman ended up leaving the casino with another female before police arrived. This sighting has never been confirmed.
Appearance
White female with brown hair and brown eyes. Star stands 5’4-5’5 tall and weighs 115-125 pounds. She has multiple piercings in each ear, and a birthmark on the right side of her neck.
Clothing & Accessories:
Star was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, tank top, blue jeans, and boots.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Star Palumbo please contact the Reno Police Departmetn at (775) 334-2175.
Agency case number 00-176028.
Resources & Further Information
Star Michelle Palumbo – NamUs
Star Michelle Palumbo – The Charley Project
Ask Joe: Have Any Clues Surfaced After Woman’s Disappearance 20 Years Ago? – NEWS4
Was She Running From Danger or Her Own Mind? – DeepLore
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