Cheri Tyra Killed in Tucson Arizona

On July 2, 1988, the body of 22-year-old Cheri Chavon Loraine Tyra was found in a desert area near Tucson, Arizona. Her death by strangulation remains an unsolved mystery more than three decades later.

Cheri was a young woman trying to turn her life around, having struggled with past associations in the drug scene. She had recently moved into a new apartment and seemed to be working toward a better future when she vanished under suspicious circumstances.

The last person seen with her was a mysterious man driving a gold-colored Jeep pickup. Witnesses provided a description, but despite ongoing investigations, her murderer was never found.

This article explores the events leading up to her murder, the investigation, and the lasting impact of this cold case on the Tucson community.

Who Was Cheri Tyra?

Cheri Chavon Loraine Tyra was born on November 5, 1965. She was one of four children and grew up in Tucson, Arizona.

• Teenage struggles: Cheri dropped out of Sunnyside High School at age 17 after becoming involved with a crowd that was more interested in cocaine than education.
• Attempting to rebuild her life: In the years following high school, she worked as a secretary and was trying to distance herself from her past.
• Moving forward: She had recently moved into a new apartment, signaling a fresh start.
• Uncertain circumstances before her death: Six weeks before her murder, she abruptly quit her job, though it’s unclear why.

Her friends and family believed she was trying to get her life back on track, but she was still connected to a rough crowd, and this may have played a role in her tragic death.

The Last Time Cheri Was Seen Alive

On Friday, July 1, 1988, a neighbor saw Cheri leaving her apartment in the 400 block of West Miracle Mile around early afternoon. She was accompanied by an unidentified man, who was described as:

• A well-tanned, clean-cut Anglo male
• Mid-30s
• 5’9” tall, 160-180 pounds
• Light brown hair
• Piercing eyes

The two left in his gold-colored Jeep pickup, which had:

• A striped serape draped across the bench seat
• A white utility box behind the cab

This was the last time anyone saw Cheri alive.

The Discovery of Cheri Tyra’s Body

On July 2, 1988, just one day after she was last seen, a group of teenagers riding ATVs in the desert near West Valencia and South Mark roads made a horrific discovery.

• They found Cheri’s nude body, lying in the desert.
• Investigators estimated she had been strangled between 24 to 36 hours earlier.
• She was identified by a tattoo on her hand.

Her body had been discarded in a remote area, suggesting she was killed elsewhere and dumped in the desert.

The Investigation: Clues and Challenges

Investigators immediately began searching for clues, but the case faced major challenges from the start.

Potential Drug Connections

At the time of her death, police noted that Cheri was still loosely connected to a crowd involved in drugs and prostitution.

• The night before she disappeared, Cheri was reportedly trying to buy marijuana.
• Investigators speculated that her past associations may have led to her death.
• However, no clear drug-related motive was ever found.

The Mystery Man in the Gold Jeep

One of the strongest leads was the man last seen with Cheri.

• Witnesses provided a detailed description.
• His vehicle was distinctive, making it potentially easier to track.
• Despite this, investigators were never able to identify him.

Forensic Limitations in 1988

One of the biggest hurdles in the case was the lack of advanced forensic technology at the time.

• DNA evidence was not widely used in criminal cases yet.
• Although some physical evidence was collected, it could not be properly analyzed using modern techniques.
• This meant that any traces of the killer left on Cheri’s body or clothing could not be tested for DNA at the time.

With no DNA leads, no confirmed suspects, and no solid motive, the case quickly went cold.

Renewed Investigations and Advances in DNA Technology

Years later, detectives revisited the case with the hope that modern forensic science could solve the mystery.

• Detective Kelly Anderson discovered that some of the evidence had been preserved.
• It was sent for DNA testing, and investigators were able to develop a DNA profile.
• However, no match has been found yet in criminal databases.

This means that Cheri’s killer could still be out there, but if they have never been arrested or convicted of another crime, their DNA won’t be in the system.

Impact on the Community and the Search for Justice

Cheri’s brutal murder left a lasting impact on her friends, family, and the Tucson community.

• Her family never stopped seeking answers.
• Tucson police still consider this case active, hoping for a breakthrough.
• New forensic methods may one day provide the final piece of evidence needed to find her killer.

How the Public Can Help

Authorities still encourage anyone with information to come forward.

• Call 88-CRIME to report tips.
• Submit information online at www.88crime.org.
• Anonymous text messages can be sent to 274637 (with message tip259 plus the tip).

Even a small piece of information could help solve the case after all these years.

Conclusion

The murder of Cheri Tyra remains a haunting mystery. She was a young woman trying to rebuild her life, but she fell victim to a violent and unknown killer.

Despite new forensic advancements, her case remains unsolved. However, with persistent efforts from law enforcement and the public, there is still hope that justice will be served.

As long as her killer remains unidentified, there is still work to be done. Cheri deserves justice, and the search for the truth must continue.