The Disappearance of Roseann Stone Pleasant: Unsolved Mystery in Spokane, WA

On September 29, 1992, Roseann Stone Pleasant vanished without a trace in Spokane, Washington. Her disappearance is one of the region’s most haunting unsolved mysteries, intertwined with later tragedy and persistent questions. The case of Roseann Stone Pleasant, missing since that autumn day, remains open more than three decades later, marked by suspicion, heartbreak, and a family still seeking answers.

Background: Who Was Roseann Stone Pleasant?

Roseann Stone Pleasant was a 35-year-old mother of four, described by family and friends as loving and resilient. At the time of her disappearance, she was struggling with substance use and working as a sex worker—a reality that shaped both her daily life and the initial police response to her case. She lived in Spokane, but maintained close ties to her family in Arizona. A week before she went missing, Roseann called her brother, expressing deep concern for her safety and outlining plans to move south with three of her children. She never got the chance.

The Day Roseann Disappeared

On the afternoon of September 29, 1992, Roseann was last seen at a convenience store at the corner of North Ash Street and West Nora Avenue in Spokane. She had been dropped off by a friend, and witnesses recall seeing her there, but what happened next remains a mystery. With her lifestyle considered “high risk” by authorities at the time, her absence was not immediately treated as suspicious. However, those close to Roseann knew she was genuinely afraid for her safety, particularly regarding her long-term partner, William Brad Jackson.

Context: Violence and Fear

Roseann was not the only woman in her circle to face danger. Just months earlier, in May 1992, one of her friends—also involved in sex work—was found murdered. Though police initially explored a possible connection, that crime was ultimately solved, and no link to Roseann’s case was established. Still, the atmosphere in Spokane’s marginalized communities was tense, and Roseann’s fears were well-founded.

William Brad Jackson: A Person of Interest

At the center of the investigation was William Brad Jackson, Roseann’s boyfriend and the father of her youngest daughter, Valiree. According to family members, Roseann was terrified of Jackson. He lived with his parents in Spokane and had a history of controlling behavior. When Roseann disappeared, Jackson was quick to suggest that her “lifestyle” was to blame, characterizing her as unreliable and transient. Yet, he was the last known person to see her alive.

• Jackson refused to cooperate with police during the investigation.
• He declined to take a polygraph test regarding Roseann’s disappearance.
• Roseann’s brother has long suspected Jackson’s involvement, theorizing that he may have disposed of her remains at a construction site where he worked.

Despite these suspicions, no charges have ever been filed against Jackson in connection with Roseann’s disappearance. The lack of physical evidence and the passage of time have made the case extraordinarily difficult to prosecute.

The Tragedy Deepens: The Murder of Valiree Jackson

Heartbreak compounded tragedy when, in 1999, the couple’s daughter, Valiree, was reported missing by Jackson himself. The investigation quickly focused on him, and with the aid of emerging GPS technology, authorities were able to locate Valiree’s remains. The evidence revealed a horrifying crime: Jackson had murdered his own daughter, smothering her and administering a fatal overdose of antidepressants.

• Forensic evidence implicated Jackson, including bloodstains and DNA.
• Jackson was convicted of Valiree’s murder and is serving a life sentence.
• The investigation into Roseann’s disappearance was reopened following Valiree’s murder, but no new evidence emerged to resolve the case.

This devastating turn of events reinforced many suspicions about Jackson’s capacity for violence and intensified calls for justice for Roseann.

The Investigation: Challenges and Theories

From the outset, the investigation into Roseann’s disappearance was hampered by several factors:

• Stigma and Bias: Roseann’s involvement with drugs and sex work led some authorities to initially downplay the urgency of her case.
• Lack of Physical Evidence: No remains or belongings linked to Roseann have ever been found.
• Suspect’s Non-Cooperation: Jackson’s unwillingness to assist the investigation further complicated efforts to find the truth.

Some early theories suggested Roseann might have fallen victim to a serial offender targeting vulnerable women in Spokane. However, no credible links were ever established. Family members and some investigators have consistently believed that Jackson was responsible, possibly concealing her remains at a construction site.

Impact on Family and Community

Roseann’s disappearance devastated her family, particularly her surviving children and siblings. After Valiree’s murder, the family held a double memorial service, honoring both mother and daughter. The unresolved nature of Roseann’s case has left wounds that have never fully healed. For Spokane’s broader community, the case stands as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by marginalized women and the need for thorough, unbiased investigations.

Remembering Roseann: Keeping the Case Alive

Despite the passage of time, Roseann Stone Pleasant’s case remains open. Her family and advocates for missing persons continue to seek answers and justice. By sharing her story and keeping her memory alive, there is hope that someone, somewhere, may come forward with information that could finally resolve the mystery.

How You Can Help

• If you have information about Roseann Stone Pleasant’s disappearance, contact the Spokane Police Department or local crime stoppers.
• Share her story on social media and community forums to keep her case in the public eye.
• Support organizations working to solve cold cases and advocate for missing persons.

Conclusion: The Search for Justice Continues

More than thirty years after Roseann Stone Pleasant disappeared in Spokane, her family is still searching for answers. Her case, marked by tragedy and uncertainty, highlights the importance of persistent advocacy and community awareness in missing persons investigations. If you have any information, now is the time to come forward. Justice for Roseann—and for all missing persons—depends on our collective commitment to remembering their stories and seeking the truth.

Photo by Kokia & Sawyer on Unsplash