Ashley Martinez Disappears From Neighborhood Pool

Friends say fun-loving Ashley Martinez, 15, enjoyed swimming and spent hours at the neighborhood's public swimming pool in St. Joseph, Mo.

On July 6, 2004, Ashley's mother, Tammy Navinskey, dropped Ashley and her younger brother off at the Krug Pool there. But when Tammy returned later to pick up her children, her son was the only one waiting for her. Ashley was nowhere to be found.

Tammy quickly contacted local authorities to report her daughter missing, and investigators learned that Ashley had mentioned to friends that she was going to run away.

Police say their investigation revealed that Ashley was seeing an older man -- Christopher Hart -- who had promised to take Ashley to California one day.

Did They Go Together?

Hart, a 32-year-old convicted felon, lived near the teen's home. Police say Hart had been under electronic home confinement for a second-degree assault conviction, and was also convicted of drug possession, unlawful use of a weapon and resisting arrest.

Earlier that summer, Hart had been arrested for stealing a woman's purse. He claimed to be Raymond M. Price, but police later found out that was a relative's name. Hart was released from the Thurston County Jail, but was sought on a warrant under the name "Price" after he failed to appear in court.

Police then issued a warrant for Hart's arrest and discovered that he had disappeared on the same day as Ashley.

Law enforcement authorities quickly initiated a search for Ashley, and a description of Hart went out to all state and national law enforcement agencies.

Ashley's mother told the police that her daughter had run away before, but was never gone for long. This time, Ashley left with just the clothes on her back, and didn't even have the medication she needed to treat her bipolar disorder.

Hart Arrested, Ashley Still Missing

On Sept. 7, 2004, Washington police arrested Christopher Hart on charges of purse-snatching. But unfortunately, Ashley Martinez was not with him when he was caught, and police say he was uncooperative when questioned about her whereabouts.

Ashley was last seen wearing denim shorts, a black top with red cherries and white Reebok tennis shoes.

Ashley has a scar on her left arm and has piercings on her tongue, navel and ears. Law enforcement authorities still consider hers an open case, and are treating Ashley as missing and endangered.