Sandra Coke (Oakland Police)
Sandra Coke went missing Sunday night after meeting up with a person who allegedly had information about her missing dog. Coke, a capital case investigator for the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Eastern District of California, is described by her family as a warm and loving woman. Here’s what you need to know about Sandra Coke and her disappearance.
1. The Missing Woman Hails From Oakland, California
(Google Maps)
2. Her Car Was Found in an Oakland Parking Lot
Seriously – PLEASE spread the word – Sandra Coke, Oakland resident, is missing. Her car was found today. http://t.co/semPtACwxO
— CryJo (@belowthesnow) August 6, 2013
On Tuesday, police found Coke’s 2007 Mini Cooper in a parking lot just two miles from her home, reports Contra Costa Times.
3. One of Coke’s Cellphones Was Found Nearby
Coke’s sister, Tanya, stands on the porch of her sister’s house in Oakland, California. (Kristopher Skinner/Bay Area News Group)
Coke’s sister, Tanya Coke, said she had two cellphones. A good Samaritan found one of them close by to her car near Emeryville and north Oakland about three hours after she went missing.
4. Her Daughter Tracked Down the Other One Using the Find My iPhone App
Coke’s daughter tracked down her other phone that she used for work by using the Find My iPhone app.
“A good girl, a resourceful girl; she was using the Find My iPhone app and was able to tell the police where the phone was,” Tanya said.
The second phone was found near the McDonald Street exit in Richmond.
5. She Works With Death Row Inmates
Two of Coke’s coworkers post fliers in search of the missing woman. (Kristopher Skinner/Bay Area News Group)
Coke works with death row inmates as a capital case investigator for the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Eastern District of California, which provides legal defense to those arrested in federal cases in the Sacramento area.
6. Police are Unsure if Her Disappearance is Related to Her Job
(Kristopher Skinner/Bay Area News Group)
The question of whether or not her disappearance is related to her job was raised, but police are still unsure.
Coke’s sister said they are also unsure, but it could be possible.
“We just don’t know,” Tanya said. “Her work takes her out in the field, interviewing all kinds of people from all walks of life. We don’t know if someone she met on the job could be involved in her disappearance.”
7. Coke Was Last Seen Before Meeting Someone Who Had Information About Her Missing Dog
Sandra Coke’s dog, Ginny (KGO)
Coke’s disappearance may also be related to her dog that was stolen from her last May. The missing woman’s King Charles spaniel, Ginny, was stolen from her home during a burglary. Months later, a person called Coke and said, “I have information about your dog. How much is your dog worth to you?” She was last seen before leaving to meet with the person.
“She told her daughter she would be home in half an hour and was not seen thereafter,” Tanya said.
8. She is a Single Mother
Sandra Coke's family needs your help finding the 50 year old Oakland mother. pic.twitter.com/hH2DfWL5mh
— Jean Elle (@nbcjeanelle) August 7, 2013
Coke, 50, is a single mother to a 15-year-old daughter.
9. Her Family is Extremely Worried
Tanya Coke speaks to the media about her missing sister. (Kristopher Skinner/Bay Area News Group)
“This is completely uncharacteristic of my sister to disappear,” Tanya said. “We are begging anybody with any information about my sister to please text or call the Oakland PD. She’s an articulate, gregarious, warm, loving person and her family really needs her.”
10. Police Are Asking for the Public’s Help
Anyone w/ info on Sandra Coke's disappearance from Oakland CA call tipline PLEASE RT #SandraCoke http://t.co/CuLQ6D8UAS
— Piper Kerman (@Piper) August 7, 2013
Coke is described as black, 5’6″ and 150 pounds, with a medium complexion, brown hair and brown eyes. On the day she disappeared, she was wearing a black-and-white shirt and dark jeans. Police ask that anyone who may have seen Coke to call the Police Department’s missing persons unit at (510) 238-3641, Crime Stoppers of Oakland at (510) 777-8672, or the tip line at (510) 777-2805.