The Disappearance of Bethany Markowski: Timeline of A Missing Child Case That Still Haunts Tennessee
Vanished Without a Trace: Inside the Timeline of the Day 11-Year-Old Bethany MarkowskiDisappeared
Missing Child Case: Bethany Markowski
Jackson, Tennessee | Natchez Trace State Park | Gleason, Tennessee | Little Rock, Arkansas | 📆 March 4, 2001 – Present
Over 20 years have passed since 11-year-old Bethany Leanne Markowski vanished without a trace in Jackson, Tennessee. Her disappearance remains one of the most haunting cold cases in the state’s history. Despite investigations by the TBI and FBI, public awareness campaigns, and thousands of tips, Bethany is still missing.
This post outlines the confirmed timeline of events surrounding Bethany’s disappearance — in the hope that someone, somewhere, may remember something.
The Day Bethany Disappeared: March 4, 2001
Bethany had been visiting her father, Larry Markowski, for the weekend as part of a custody arrangement. That Sunday, March 4, 2001, was supposed to end with Bethany being returned to her mother at a prearranged meeting spot. Instead, it became the last day anyone confirmed seeing her alive or speaking to her.
🔹 Morning (8–10 a.m.)
Bethany called her mother, Jonnie, around 9:38 a.m. The call was tense. Bethany said quietly:
“Mama, daddy knows you have a boyfriend.”
Jonnie could hear Larry yelling in the background. Bethany sounded scared.
🔹 Midday (11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)
Bethany’s half-sister Jenny called Larry’s phone at 12:12 p.m. On that call, Bethany reportedly said they were headed to Old Hickory Mall in Jackson. However, records showed the phone pinged near Natchez Trace State Park — a direction entirely different from the one they had expected.
🔹 Afternoon (1:30–3:30 p.m.)
Larry claims they arrived at the mall around 1:30–2:00 p.m. He said Bethany wanted to go inside to visit Claire’s and the arcade. He parked, let her out, and fell asleep in the van.
When he woke up ~30 minutes later, she was gone.
But a conflicting report placed Larry alone at a gas station in Parkers Crossroads — 25 miles from Jackson — around 2:00 p.m. He told someone he had “just dropped off” his daughter, and Bethany wasn’t with him.
🔹 Evening (5:00 p.m.)
Bethany was supposed to be dropped off at a neutral meeting point at the Waverly exit at 5:00 p.m. Her aunt, waiting at the location, grew worried. After repeated calls, Larry finally answered and said:
“Bethany is missing.”
At 5:15 p.m., Larry reported her missing to mall security. Police arrived shortly after.
The Investigation: What We Know
Mall Surveillance & Witnesses
Despite Larry’s story, no surveillance footage ever showed Bethany entering or exiting the Old Hickory Mall. Witnesses only saw Larry, never Bethany.
Evidence and Forensics
Police found no physical evidence at the scene. Thousands of tips came in over the years, including sightings of a girl matching Bethany’s description with an unidentified woman. None led to a break in the case.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Investigators confirmed Bethany was last seen the day before, March 3, in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her father at a friend’s house. Larry initially denied the trip, but it was corroborated by others.
Polygraph Tests
Both parents were given lie detector tests. Bethany’s mother, Jonnie Carter, passed. Larry did not.
Custody & Family History
Bethany’s parents were in the middle of a contentious divorce. Jonnie had obtained a protective order against Larry for abusive behavior. Still, Larry was allowed unsupervised visitation on weekends.
The custody exchange typically happened at a family member’s home in Waverly. That Sunday was supposed to follow the same routine… until Bethany disappeared.
A Cold Case That Needs Answers
Despite ongoing attention from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the FBI, Bethany’s missing child case remains unsolved. No one has ever been charged in her disappearance. Larry Markowski continues to deny involvement.
Bethany would be 35 years old today.
How You Can Help
This case remains open, and so does the search for the truth.
🔎 Share Bethany’s story.
📬 Report tips to the TBI at 1‑800‑TBI‑FIND or team@findbethany.org.
📢 Raise awareness by posting her photo and name.
💚 Support organizations that work to bring missing children home.
