Bethany Markowski has been missing since March 4, 2001.
It’s been over two decades, and there are still no charges. No breakthroughs. No confirmed sightings. Just one version of events, and more questions than answers.
We believe this case deserves renewed scrutiny from authorities.
But we also know: they don’t act unless the public demands it.
Below are clear, respectful, and strategic ways you can help us pressure investigators and public officials to revisit this case and push it forward.
1. Contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
TBI is the primary investigative agency on Bethany’s case. You can reach out to ask for updates, request transparency, and urge them to dedicate more resources to her file.
TBI Tip Line: 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463)
Email: TipsToTBI@tn.gov
Website: www.tn.gov/tbi
Ask for: Special Agent Cathy Ferguson (Bethany’s case contact)
What to Say:
- Express your concern that no movement has happened in 20+ years.
- Point out the gaps in the official timeline and lack of confirmed mall footage.
- Ask whether Bethany’s case has been assigned to active review.
- Remind them the public is watching and expecting answers.
TBI Call Script – Bethany Markowski Case
TBI Tip Line: 1-800-TBI-FIND
(1-800-824-3463)
INTRO (optional):
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling as a concerned citizen and supporter of the Bethany Markowski case.”
BODY:
“I’m reaching out today because it’s been over 23 years since Bethany disappeared, and there are still no charges, no confirmed sightings, and no answers.
I understand this is an ongoing investigation, but many people — myself included — feel that the case deserves renewed attention, especially given the inconsistencies in the timeline and the fact that no one ever saw Bethany at the mall where she was reported missing.
We believe there are still meaningful actions that could be taken — whether it’s releasing case documents, re-examining physical evidence, or officially re-opening public inquiry into the case.”
ASK:
“I’m asking the TBI to publicly acknowledge continued interest in the Bethany Markowski case and to explore additional steps for transparency and resolution. Her family — and the public — deserve answers.”
CLOSE:
“Thank you for your time. I understand you may not be able to comment, but I wanted my voice to be counted among those who still care deeply about this case. Please pass this message along to the appropriate department.”
TIPS:
- Be calm, courteous, and to the point.
- Don’t speculate or accuse.
- If they offer a way to submit written feedback or a follow-up, take it.
2. Write to Your Tennessee State Representatives
Bethany’s disappearance has statewide significance. Ask your representatives to push for:
- A cold case task force to review unsolved child disappearances
- Public hearings or a new press briefing on Bethany’s case
- Accountability for how the case has been handled over time
Find your Tennessee rep here:
www.capitol.tn.gov/legislators
Template Letter to Lawmakers: Justice for Bethany Markowski
Subject Line (for email):
Urgent Call for Action on the Bethany Markowski Case
Dear [Senator/Representative/Governor] [Last Name],
I’m writing as a concerned citizen and advocate for missing children in Tennessee.
It has been over 23 years since Bethany Leanne Markowski, an 11-year-old girl from Jackson, disappeared while in the custody of her father. Despite the severity of her case, which included troubling inconsistencies, a failed polygraph test, and no surveillance confirming her presence at the location where she was reported missing, Bethany’s case remains unsolved, uncharged, and alarmingly quiet.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has not ruled out foul play, but no major investigative updates have been made public in decades. Families across the state, and across the country, are watching. When one child goes missing without answers, it sends a message about the level of accountability and attention we can expect in any child protection case.
As a [parent/teacher/voter/concerned Tennessean], I’m asking you to do the following:
- Call for renewed investigative transparency in the Bethany Markowski case.
- Support legislative efforts that encourage cold case review boards or specialized child-abduction case units within TBI.
- Acknowledge and amplify the impact of Bethany’s story by uplifting Tennessee Missing Children’s Day, which was established in her honor.
The family and public deserve answers. After more than two decades, it’s time to take meaningful action.
Thank you for your service to Tennessee. I hope to see your voice added to the growing call for truth and accountability.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City, State]
[Optional: Your Email or Phone Number]
3. Email Local Newsrooms and Ask for Coverage
Journalists can help force the issue when police won’t.
Ask them to revisit Bethany’s story — especially in light of new public interest and advocacy efforts.
Sample outlets to contact:
- WBBJ-TV (Jackson, TN) → news@wbbjtv.com
- The Tennessean → localnews@tennessean.com
- WKRN Nashville → newsroom@wkrn.com
- Your local paper or station
Suggested talking points:
- Bethany’s case is gaining renewed attention.
- The family has launched a public campaign and is crowd-mapping new leads.
- Media pressure can help bring answers.
- Ask if they’ll cover Bethany’s case in upcoming missing persons segments.
Template Letter to Local Media: Cover Bethany Markowski’s Case
Subject Line (for email):
Please Cover the Unsolved Case of Bethany Markowski
Dear [News Editor/Reporter/Producer Name],
I’m writing to urge your newsroom to revisit the unsolved disappearance of Bethany Leanne Markowski, who vanished on March 4, 2001, in Jackson, Tennessee. She was just 11 years old. It has now been over 23 years, and her case remains unsolved.
There were no charges. No surveillance footage confirming her presence at the Old Hickory Mall. No confirmed sightings since. And no updates for the public in years, despite a growing base of citizen investigators, concerned families, and advocacy groups asking why this case has remained cold for so long.
A new public awareness campaign is underway, led by The Bethany Markowski Foundation. It includes an anonymous community tip board, a public theory map, and soon, a new season of the investigative podcast Missing in Hush Town (launching October 22, 2025). The campaign is crowdsourcing leads, and there’s increasing public pressure on law enforcement and lawmakers to re-examine the case.
As a local news outlet, your voice has the power to push this conversation forward. A renewed story could help:
- Bring this case to younger generations who’ve never heard of it
- Remind the community that Bethany is still missing and not forgotten
- Encourage people with memories, photos, or tips from that time to come forward
Please consider covering this story again, either as a feature, a cold case spotlight, or part of a broader missing persons segment. The family and community are still waiting for answers.
For more information, you can visit:
🔗 https://findbethany.org
Or contact: team@findbethany.org
Thank you for everything you do to keep our communities informed.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City, State]
[Optional: Your Email or Social Media Handle]
[Optional: Are you a parent, teacher, concerned citizen, etc.]
4. Add Your Voice to the Theory Map + Community Board
Pressure comes in numbers. Use your voice to keep the conversation alive.
Theory Map (Miro Board): View verified case facts, timelines, and public theories
View the board »
Community Board (Padlet): Submit tips, share insights, and ask questions
Submit a tip or join the discussion »
5. Mail a Letter to Show You’re Watching
Old-school pressure works. Handwritten letters are often taken more seriously.
Mail to:
TBI Headquarters
901 R.S. Gass Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37216
Attn: Cold Case Division – Bethany Markowski
Include:
- Why you care
- What you want to see happen
- A reminder that the public is tracking this case
Never Forget: You Don’t Need a Badge to Demand Accountability
You don’t have to be a detective to push this case forward.
You just have to be informed. Loud. Organized. And done being quiet.
Together, we’re building public pressure that can’t be ignored.
Keep sharing. Keep showing up. Keep asking hard questions.
We’re not going anywhere.
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Read the Full Case Timeline
