After 26 years of silence, Tacoma police recently excavated a backyard on South Gunnison Street based on a tip tied to the cold case disappearance of 2-year-old Teekah Lewis (last seen January 23, 1999, at New Frontier Lanes). Although authorities have confirmed the dig was connected to her case, no new evidence was found when the search ended after three days.
1. The Disappearance: Who Was Teekah Lewis?
- When and Where: On January 23, 1999, Teekah Latres Lewis vanished from New Frontier Lanes bowling alley in Tacoma, WA. At just two years old, she disappeared in a matter of moments while playing in the arcade area.
- The Scene: Following the disappearance, law enforcement quickly surrounded a 1.5-mile area. Despite the presence of local police, volunteers, K9 units, and the FBI, no trace was found; authorities concluded she had likely been abducted.
2. Early Leads & Theories
- Suspect Vehicle Identified: Witnesses reported seeing a maroon Pontiac Grand Am (late 80s/90s model) speeding from the alley parking lot shortly after her disappearance.
- Pockmarked Man: Another key witness spotted a Caucasian male matching a distinctive description—mustache, pockmarked face, shoulder-length brown hair—seen with Teekah just before she disappeared. Suspected similar incidents in nearby parks on the same evening raised further alarm.
3. The South Gunnison Excavation: What’s New?
- Tip Leads to Backyard Dig: In mid-May 2025, Tacoma police responded to a tip and started digging at a house less than a mile from where Teekah vanished. The operation lasted over 24 hours, involving tents, drones, and heavy equipment.
- Confirmation and Outcome: Officials later confirmed the dig was indeed related to Teekah’s case. However, after three days, they concluded the search yielded no new evidence.
- Community & Family Reaction: Teekah’s mother and local community were reportedly present during excavation. Investigators also emphasized ongoing dedication to all cold cases, noting Tacoma PD oversees 147 cold cases and 20 missing person cases.
4. Why It Matters: Emotional & Investigative Impact
- Renewed Hope: Every new search rekindles hope for Teekah’s family and the community. Even without immediate results, digging builds momentum, signals active pursuit, and may encourage fresh tips.
- Cold Case Challenges: Despite technological progress over 26 years, investigators face limited evidence and fading memories. Yet public attention keeps the case alive in collective consciousness.
5. Investigation & Public Involvement
- Police Strategy: Tacoma PD continues reviewing tips, comparing them against past leads, and re-examining archived evidence.
- Crime Stoppers Reward: Up to $1,000 is still offered for information leading to an arrest.
- Public Role: Authorities urge anyone with insight—no matter how small—to reach out. Even decades-old observations may be crucial.
6. What Happens Next?
- No Immediate New Dig Planned: After finding nothing at the Gunnison site, police have not announced another excavation.
- Evidence Review Ongoing: Case files are likely being re-examined using modern databases and forensic tools.
- Media Exposure: True-crime outlets (e.g., Dateline) reportedly plan coverage, which may uncover new leads.
- Family Determination: Teekah’s mother continues to advocate; her unwavering hope remains a rallying point.
7. The Broader Significance
Teekah’s case is emblematic of thousands of cold case disappearances. Each renewed search:
- Highlights systemic gaps in investigating missing children cases.
- Inspires law enforcement to re-prioritize cold cases with modern techniques.
- Reminds communities of ongoing responsibility to vulnerable children.
Summary Table: Key Updates on Teekah Lewis Case
| Aspect | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Missing Since | Jan 23, 1999, from Tacoma bowling alley |
| Recent Dig | Mid-May 2025, in Tacoma backyard, lasted 3 days |
| Findings | No physical evidence recovered |
| Investigation Status | Still active, with neither suspect nor charges |
| Public Assistance | Reward up to $1,000 via Crime Stoppers |
| Next Steps | Forensic reviews, media outreach, new tip pursuit |
Final Thoughts
Despite the disappointing outcome of the excavation, the dig underscores a vital truth: this case isn’t forgotten. Teekah’s disappearance continues to galvanize community support, police resources, and media attention. The renewed search demonstrates that authorities and loved ones remain committed to uncovering what happened.
For those who remember or suspect something related—even an old memory from the night of January 23, 1999 – now is the time to come forward. Even the smallest piece of information may help bring closure to Teekah’s family and possibly resolve a decades‑old mystery.
