Disappearance of Claudia Lawrence

Claudia Elizabeth Lawrence (born 27 February 1974) is an English woman who was last seen and heard from on 18 March 2009.

She was employed as a chef at the University of York's Goodricke College at the time of her disappearance.

Although the police have treated Lawrence's case as that of murder, with various people arrested but later released, her fate is unclear.

Claudia Lawrence was born in Malton, North Yorkshire, in 1974.

She spent her early life with her father Peter (died 2021), mother Joan and older sister Ali.

Lawrence's father was a prosperous solicitor.

Her mother was a member of Malton Town Council and served a term as mayor of the town.

Lawrence enjoyed a comfortable childhood and was privately educated at the York College for Girls.

She later attended a local catering college and qualified as a chef.

She initially worked at several hotels and restaurants in York, but became tired of the unsocial hours this involved.

In 2006 she found employment at the University of York's Goodricke College, working as a chef in the canteen of the university's main campus.

In 2007 Lawrence purchased a terraced cottage in the York suburb of Heworth, situated about 3 mi from her place of work.

Lawrence was considered punctual and reliable by her employer.

Lawrence remained single throughout her life while enjoying a gregarious social life.

She was reported to have engaged in a series of short-term relationships often conducted on a concurrent basis; she was reported to have had a number of "covert sexual relationships" with men, some of whom were married or in relationships.

Lawrence was discreet about this and her family knew little about her relationships with men.

This aspect of her lifestyle would later cause some media speculation and would also influence the police investigation of her disappearance.

After moving to Heworth in 2007, Lawrence would regularly spend evenings at The Nag's Head pub close to her home.

"Lawrence began relationships with several men whom she met while drinking in the pub, and her father admitted that the liaisons had created 'awkward situations' with her lovers' partners".

Lawrence had holidayed several times in Cyprus, where she was believed to have explored job opportunities.

At 6 am on the morning of 18 March 2009, Lawrence started her shift at Goodricke College's Roger Kirk Centre.

She completed her shift at 2 pm and was recorded on CCTV leaving the college on foot a few minutes later.

Around 3 pm she was recorded on CCTV passing a shop in Melrosegate near her home and was seen by a neighbour.

During the course of the evening Lawrence spoke to both her father and mother on her mobile phone.

Her mother described Lawrence's mood as normal and relaxed.

The two women discussed celebrating the forthcoming Mother's Day.

Lawrence told her mother she was at home and that she planned to retire early since she would have to rise before 5 am next day in order to walk to work, her car being under repair.

She sent a final text message from her mobile phone at 8:23 pm and a final incoming text was received at 9:12 pm.

Thereafter nobody is known to have seen or heard from Lawrence.

On 19 March, Lawrence was scheduled to start work at 6 am.

She did not report for duty.

Her manager called her mobile phone number but although the phone rang, the call was directed to voice messaging.

The manager took no further action.

Lawrence had previously arranged to meet her friend Suzy Cooper at The Nag's Head that night.

Cooper attended the appointment but Lawrence did not.

Cooper then attempted to contact Lawrence by telephone.

Lawrence was normally a prolific user of her mobile, a Samsung SGH-D900, so Cooper was surprised when she was unable to attract a response.

Cooper attempted to contact Lawrence again on the morning of Friday, 20 March, but again without success.

At this point Cooper became alarmed and contacted mutual acquaintances including George Forman, landlord of The Nag's Head, to obtain information concerning her possible whereabouts.

Cooper telephoned Claudia's father Peter on 20 March to report the situation.