Search renewed in '96 missing woman case

Patty Vaughan of La Vernia has been missing since Christmas of 1996. Patty Vaughan of La Vernia has been missing since Christmas of 1996. Photo: Courtesy Photo/Heidi Search Center Photo: Courtesy Photo/Heidi Search Center Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Search renewed in '96 missing woman case 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Authorities on Monday scoured an area in Wilson County as part of the ongoing search for Patty Vaughan, who was last seen on Christmas in 1996.

The search was being led by the Texas Rangers, with assistance from the FBI, officials said.

Vaughan, a 32-year-old mother of children ages 9, 8 and 6 at the time she went missing, got into a fight with her husband, Jerry Ray Vaughan, at their home in La Vernia, the Express-News previously reported.

A witness reported seeing Patty Vaughan driving away in the family's van, which was found the next day on the shoulder of Loop 1604 just west of Highway 37. DNA tests confirmed that blood found in the van, in the Vaughans' bedroom and on a mop in the house was that of Patty Vaughan.

Jerry Ray Vaughan was questioned by sheriff's deputies but was never named a suspect.