AUSTIN — The family of Roxanne Paltauf marked the 20th anniversary of her disappearance Tuesday by renewing its appeal for information, unveiling a billboard in her memory and offering a $10,000 reward in hopes of solving the long-unsolved case.
Paltauf disappeared on July 7, 2006, from a Budget Inn near Rundberg Lane and Interstate 35 in North Austin. According to investigators, her then-boyfriend told police the couple argued before she left the motel, leaving behind her personal belongings. Authorities have said they believe criminal activity was involved, and the case remains open.
To encourage new leads, the family is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction or to the recovery of Paltauf’s remains. They also launched a website where people can anonymously submit tips.
A billboard featuring Paltauf’s photograph now stands in the Austin area as part of the family’s latest awareness campaign. Rosa Schultz, Paltauf’s sister, said nonprofit Season of Justice provided a $5,000 grant for the project, while Reagan Outdoor donated the remaining advertising costs.
“It means people get to remember her, and we get to talk about her and hopefully one day solve the case about what happened,” Schultz said.
Schultz said her family never accepted the explanation that Paltauf voluntarily left the motel. She said cellphone records showed roaming charges several hours after her sister was reportedly last seen, raising additional questions about what happened that night.
Over the past two decades, the family has organized volunteer searches and distributed flyers and T-shirts to keep public attention on the case while law enforcement continued its investigation.
Schultz said the anniversary also brings back memories of her sister, who she described as caring, funny and family-oriented. She recalled that Paltauf chose to celebrate her 18th birthday by taking her entire family roller skating and once paid for a professional family portrait with her own money.
“There are people in Austin who know what happened,” Schultz said. “It’s been 20 years, and we’re hoping someone comes forward and helps our family finally learn the truth.”
