|
A waitress at a Houston strip club suddenly vanishes.
CASE DETAILS
The Men’s Club in Houston, Texas, is an upscale adult night spot. Tara Breckenridge waited tables there from 1989 to 1992. Tara grew up in Del Rio, Texas, and was the third of five children in a devoutly religious family. After high school, she arrived in Houston to pursue a career in photography. It wasn’t long before the cost of big city living forced her to find another job. As a waitress at The Men’s Club, Tara found the cash she needed. According to her friend, Gina Goldrup, The Club never fit Tara’s personality:
 She was last seen leaving work When Tara Breckenridge arrived in Houston, she was no different than thousands of small town girls with big city dreams. But for Tara, the dream may have ended in a horrible nightmare. In 1992, she vanished without a trace. The police and her parents believed Tara was murdered. And high on the list of possible suspects was Tara’s boyfriend at the time, a young man named Wayne Hecker. Wayne and Tara had met two years after Tara arrived in Houston. Even though Tara never danced at The Men’s Club, Wayne was less than thrilled with her job:
 Her boyfriend found her car locked Despite Wayne’s concerns, he and Tara moved in together. At first, they seemed happy. But according to Tara’s mother, Betty, the romance did not last:
 Tara and her boyfriend Wayne Tara’s job at The Men’s Club distracted her from the problems with Wayne. But on the night of August 3, 1992, Tara did something that remains unexplained. It was a slow night and the management decided to send two waitresses home early. When the manager asked for volunteers to end their shift early, Tara volunteered to leave. According to Hal Naumann, the former manager of The Men’s Club, it was strangely out of character:
 One of the love notes written by a customer The security guard at the club told police that he walked Tara to her car and that she drove off without incident. Wayne Hecker later told the police that, at the moment Tara was leaving The Men’s Club, he was in a pool hall fifteen minutes away. Wayne said he called Tara earlier that evening, but never spoke to her:
At 7:00 the next morning, Wayne found Tara’s car abandoned on a busy freeway:
According to Wayne, the car was locked and a can of mace was inside:
 Inside the car was a can of mace Police feared that Tara was a victim of foul play. It wasn’t long before suspicion began to center on Wayne Hecker. Sergeant Brad Rudolph of the Houston Police Department, interrogated Wayne and was especially curious about his activities the night Tara disappeared:
The pool hall is located fifteen minutes from The Men’s Club. Tara’s car was found about three miles from the club. According to witnesses, Wayne was gone from the pool hall for a full hour and forty-five minutes. But with no concrete evidence of foul play, Tara was officially listed as missing.  He shot pool while she was at a men’s club When police obtained a series of love notes indicating there was another man in Tara’s life, they thought there might be a break in the case. One note said, “Please don’t be scared. Do what your heart tells you. I’m very excited that you’ll marry me.” But, then another one said, “The more you hold out, the longer you jeopardize what I feel for you.” According to co-workers at the club, Tara’s secret admirer was a frequent visitor who lavished her with hundred dollar tips. He apparently had intimate knowledge of her difficulties with Wayne. But according to Sergeant Rudolph, the notes seemed to indicate that Tara rejected the man’s advances:
But if Tara’s admirer was not a suspect, who was? Once again, a shadow of doubt was cast upon Wayne Hecker, who still maintained his innocence:
Other than her abandoned car, no trace of Tara Breckenridge has ever been found. Tara is 5’5″ tall and weighs 120 pounds. She has a small scar under the left side of her lower lip, a scar under her left arm, and a scar on her left side. Watch this case now on Amazon Prime in season seven with Robert Stack and in season seven with Dennis Farina. Also available on YouTube with Dennis Farina. Various seasons available now on Hulu. SUBMIT A TIP |
135 Comments
Leave a Reply to Monica Cancel reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
None Of Your Business
I think there were probably things the other workers at the club wanted to say, but couldn’t due to it potentially having an effect on future court cases.
It’s so patently obvious that Wayne potentially had something to do with her disappearance. He was gone from the pool hall, for a full hour and 45 minutes, where was he? She wanted to leave him, possibly without telling him. She may have thought that she had her opportunity to leave because she finished early, but Wayne was gonna lose his meal ticket…
What investigators need to do is figure out how far he could have gotten from not only where Tara’s car was found, but from their home and back, then to the pool hall. Because it looks a little rural off the 290 & 90… a perfect place to dump well anything really.
Unfortunately unless the police find her body (or someone grows a conscience and a spine) there’s not a lot the police can do. My thoughts are with the family.
Anonymous
I’m very sure Tera drove the car to the on ramp. Her alternator belt was completely off. So she had car trouble. What caused that trouble is interesting. A belt doesn’t just completely come off unless you abruptly throw the transmission into park while driving in top gear. So with that I believe she was being chased and blocked entrance into the freeway. Now this was only 3 miles from where she worked. So there are things that her shady work place is not telling. Wayne would have been stupid to have done that. She was his bread and butter. Without her he was without everything. Unfortunately I can’t rule him out because of his exotic religious beliefs. He is correctly a suspect. But I still feel her working acquaintances are not being completely honest. They make her sound too perfect. It was a job she was very uncomfortable with, but no drama was even mentioned. She may have been just a very good worker. But the 3 miles starting with the security guard is very little space for a fast moving car chase.
Flor ARG
The theory is interesting. However, I must say that I once lost the alternator belt on the trail. When I got home the belt was no longer in place and I didn’t abruptly park the transmission while driving in top gear. You may have had a problem with your car, but it wasn’t necessarily the result of a chase.
Anonymous
You are correct. It would make a good experiment. They are saying someone cut the line, and she drove it for a few miles. I was however wrong with my own theory. (Someone taking it off afterwards to give a false impression is more probable.)
Stella
I wonder what that was? What is your theory?
Name
Just finished watching a tv show about this dude. https://www.serialkillercalendar.com/Anthony%20Allen%20SHORE.php
Makes you wonder since this person didn’t live far from where Tara’s car was located.
Stella
Nope all those other victims were dumped. Every single one of his victims were dumped somewhere. Tara was never found! Never found with no trace there was a lot of thought put into that a lot more than one person involved
Ginger
I MISS HAVING THE MAP ON HERE IT GAVE ME INSPIRATION WHERE TO LOOK ON MAP IF YOU HAVE A LINK TO THE MAP
Stella
Hmmm ??
Stella
Interesting comment
STARR PRITCHARD
STEVE,
I SEE A COMMENT WHERE YOU KNEW OF A CUSTOMER THAT WAS GIVING HER ISSUES? I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING AND DIGGING AND DIGGING FOR YEARS AND GETTING CLOSE .. FOUND SOME REALLY INTERESTING THINGS OUT ABOUT A FEW PEOPLE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED. ALSO SPOKE WITH A INVESTIGATOR ON THIS. I WONT GIVE UP UNTIL THEY ARE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE! BUT IF YOU CAN FIND ME ON FACEBOOK PLEASE….. WAYNE I KNOW WAS NOT A LONE IN THIS.
Ashliegh Cloutier
I would love to get hands on the map and maybe get a search party I know it’s been years but maybe finding something could finally put her body to rest. Let’s not forget that she’s still out there waiting for someone to find her so she can finally be put to rest. Does anyone know how the boyfriend died? I keep googling and can’t find how he passed away.
Stella
Don’t you worry there is someone have known Tara since the first grade was very good friends with her and I am 50 almost 54 years old. She dated my brother in high school for five years I won never in my entire life never ever ever give up I’m finding all of the people that were involved in this, I have been digging and digging and digging and digging for many many years and still digging and gathering and gathering but Mark and I won’t ever give up but it’s not only thing gathering everything you gotta get someone to believe and listen and do something about it. That’s where everybody is having issues working on that as well.❤️
Anonymous
I would think a customer. But the security guard said no one was chasing her. But from the evidence she was clearly being chased from that location. (That makes me question the authenticity of the entire staff.)
Tanya Lippre
You don’t know Wayne, or my cousin so keep your mouth shut.
Amanda Adams
This story has carried on in DR Tx. Her father was my boss years ago. & family friend. Their family has had great losses over the years since. I wish they could find closure for her family.
Bee
I have read this and hope this case gets solved.
From what what I’ve been reading. There could of been a high possibility of the boyfriend that killed Tara due to reading on what the Mother had said about their relationship. Or on the other hand it could have been the security guard as someone has already said this in this comment section. Either way someone murdered her. Most likely to be the boyfriend. I’m only going off on what the statements have said about the boyfriend.
Anyway who ever it was. I really hope this case gets solved. I don’t live in the US but I am always watching unsolved mysteries and hoping that all cases that haven’t been solved gets solved.
Anonymous
I don’t see enough evidence of the boyfriend. Why would she run away from him? In those circumstances she would at least talk to him. If the car was just dumped with no car trouble, then I would look more into him. But that shady business has the potential for a lot of possibilities. She could have seen something she shouldn’t have. She could of possibly stole from them. (A business like that will never admit that because you have to go over their books. And going over their books could get them in trouble. You come across that a lot when dealing with adult entertainment.)
candice
I was trying to reply to Starr lee pritchard. I cannot find you on facebook.
candice
I have tried to find you on facebook. I cannot find you.
Charles
Wow, this guy is so guilty. Apart from his obvious deflections from the questions and overall nervousness–he left for an hour and 45 minutes. Houston is a huge city and he easily could have disposed of the body. On the other hand, a lot of crazies frequent strip clubs, so there is the possibility of that.
Anonymous
I was thrown off by his religious answers. It showed me what Tera had to put up with. A good person but somewhat of a control freak with religion. I can’t rule him out. He fits psychological profiles of people who do those sort of things.
Joey
Any update yet or did they find her yet
Anonymous
It is a backwards case. You have to find the killer before the body. And it is a hard one.
Jason
I didn’t realize Wayne passed away in 2015 and both her parents and sister are gone too. Whatta sad story
Anonymous
Houston has improved since then. A woman is a lot safer there today.
Jason
Am I the only one who thinks his “waiting on God for an answer” seems BEYOND suspicious? Look in his eyes. I’ve never heard such a copout in my life. Maybe he though he was doing “God’s work” by taking her life b/c he disagreed with her line of work? So, he can justify his actions. I think HE drove her car and abandoned it, but maybe b/c she lived in a conservative town and the line of work she was in, they didn’t have the resources/interest in solving this in a timely manner. It’s interesting that lesser crimes are solved on Forensic Files and this one hasn’t gotten anywhere.
I just think based on this guy’s plain reaction and vague response to a simple question is sign of obvious guilt. But, we gotta have EVIDENCE to prove his guilt. I could be completely wrong, but that’s my .02.
Stevany
His answer to that question was enough proof to me that he killed her. That was creepy! He’s a real weirdo and it’s awful she didn’t get away from him!
Well like he said I hope he had to answer to God!
Kathy Baker
Houston is not a very conservative town. There are strip clubs everywhere. Don’t misidentify it with the rest of Texas.
Anonymous
Unfortunately I know a lot about cars. I’m pretty sure she drove it after being chased.
Anonymous
You are right on everything you said Jason.
Mark G.
Who plays pool until 5 AM? Especially after leaving the pool hall five hours earlier? That is such a weak alibi. He came home early, she came home early, they had a fight, he killed her. You can hide a body in Houston in about five minutes, dump in a bayou. Don’t assume this guy is some criminal mastermind. He can get lucky dumping a body, moreover, he could have covered his tracks when he claimed he was looking for her the next morning.
Anonymous
He also told at least to friends lies so they would think the club was responsible. (So there was evidence he wanted them blamed.)
Anonymous
The 5am was misinformation her car was reported abandoned just before 3am. (According to the Charley project.)
J_M
Maybe Tara volunteered to leave early because she thought it would be a great opportunity to pack her belongings and disappear. Sounds like her BF wasn’t the most stable person, and she knew he’d be bar hopping until the early morning. It’s usually advised to women in abusive relationships to leave when their abuser isn’t home, and without warning.
Anonymous
That was my first red flag. The employer talking about her acting unusual.
Anonymous
It really depends. If there were strong tire tread marks at the scene, I wouldn’t even consider the boyfriend. But if there was no skidding I would suspect Wayne. (The belt would have to have been moved after parked.) I really don’t have access so I don’t know.
Magdeline
As I see it, Tara felt safe according to the evidence. To have the wherewithal to leave your car locked with mace inside is a striking clue that she trusted her abducter. I believe Wayne was in cahoots with another party in the murder and disposal of her body. Possibly an officer since it would appear they didn’t investigate all leads in this case. A dirty cop can cover up evidence. There was a cop in California around that same time who would stalk women late at night, rape and kill them. A young girl died. Her name was Cara Knott and the officers name was Craig Peyer. This murder took place on the I-15 in San Diego in 1986. The car was left abandoned just like Tara’s with no signs of foul play. She was also a student.
The Bartender
I know it sounds far fetched about the sex slavery scenario but Dennis Burns threatened another woman staying “What happened to Tara can happen to you.” Wayne was not a great gambler/pool player. It is possible he lost any money paid within a week or two…. I’ve seen people play for $3500 a game. Before Tara disappeared he was gambling a lot, winning very little. Maybe he had a change of heart like Judas who sold out Jesus…gave up the money and kept all the guilt.
Anonymous
Dennis Burns passed away from a drug overdose. He didn’t seem to have a clue about what happened. If the club was responsible, I would consider trafficking. But they were fully investigated. Wayne wouldn’t need a waitress if he was that high up in the trafficking industry.
Anonymous
His friend may have helped give him transportation. But his lack of knowledge makes me think Steve lied to him. Drug dealers will not even talk to people without money. So Steve possibly drove her car to him and told him he needed to dump it because he sold her into slavery. (That is just a crazy theory.)
joyce Logue
now with the interview I seen he said I only have to answer to god –then the other comment is a great lawyer help on wording real people don’t thin k about talking with such evasion –they scream I am innocent I just want someone to fin d her I am desperate to find her –he is guilty most likely–loving someone with passion hello oj loved his Nicole —young men wants to control their women and she was uncontrollable so u know its a wrap
Anonymous
People do crazy things for that Crack.
thinkingoutloud
Wayne is so involved. He was absent for a whole hour and 45 mins. Maybe he followed or meet up with Tara. They got into an arrangement and he killed her. The got rid of the body and then planted her car on the interstate. I find it interesting he was the first person to locate her car on the side of the road….maybe cause he put it there. And seeing the type of guy he is, if tara wasn’t home late that night i feel he would’ve been making phone calls or going around searching for her. He couldve even called the club to make sure that Tara left. Her friends, her family, and her coworkers even confirmed Tara and Wayne had problems. It’s fishy he just keeps mentioning he did not commit a crime so he can’t be charged with one. So maybe he had help killing Tara and disposing her body.
Anonymous
The way Tara left the club kind of down shows me a possible unknown concern for her boyfriend. I don’t know how they communicated or what was communicated. But she acted like she lost a pet.
Unsolved Viewer
I think the saddest part of this is that it seems it could have been solved pretty easily. Lots of witnesses. Maybe one day her remains will be found and she can finally rest in peace.
Dancer 2
Wayne would have started frantically calling the club if she wasn’t home at exactly the time he expected. That night he didn’t. We dancers raised Several thousands of dollars for information leading to Tara’s disappearance and within three months Wayne came to the club asking for the money. He claimed he needed it to pay his bills. THREE MONTHS? I guess he KNEW she was dead and not just missing. There is only one way he knew that.
Homer
Have you all any guesses why she left early that night —which supposedly was very unusual for her?
Anonymous
You dancers really have me thinking Wayne did it. Those phones cause a lot of drama.
Craig
Does anyone know the name of the security guard and/or the name signed on the note. I am a relative of a unsolved murder case. These two cases have a lot of similarities
Dancer 2
I am so sorry I don’t remember but if you are a relative it will be in the police notes and they may give it to you.
Del Rio Friend
I am from Del Rio, Texas but I did not know Tara. I did know some of her siblings and knew of the Breckenridge family. This family has been through hell and back. Not only did they lose Tara but Tammy died in a plane crash, Tim drowned at his parents 50th Wedding anniversary at a party on the Lake, Both parents passed and now her sister Tobi committed suicide. My heart hurts for them.
Michael
I was friends with Tara. This was so frustrating and sad. I pray that those responsible will come forth even after all this time and I pray that the Lord would heal the wounds of friends and family after all these years.
Candis
I’ve watched this story two or three times and each time I feel as though the boyfriend did something to her or he knows more than what he’s telling…. I pray that they find out what happened to this young lady so her family can have some kind of peace.
Anonymous
As a child of the 80’s, I feel a connection to this case as I also worked in some unsavory places after graduating in 1983. Tara probably felt safe with tje security guard who also xould have developed feelings for her and easily slipped her notes. Being that they worked together it makes sense for her not to have told work friends. It also seems to me that it would have been easy for him to put her in a dumpster after killing her since she probably rejected him being that she was a good girl who was obviously reluctant to leave her bf., surely there were dumpsters at the club, and that would explain her not being found. The car wouldn’t go far without fanbelt, but that only adds to the question of the mace in her car, which she probably had left there while working, knowing she’d be accompanied by the guard when she left, which is why I think he killed her and disposed of her at the club then dumped her car later. He could have moved it out of view when walked her outside the club, right? I think Wayne was telling the truth, his behavior afterwards backs that up. Wayne seems to be getting a raw deal from most. I didn’t know anyone involved, just trying to give an objective alternate view.
Anonymous
I can’t believe this story,I just wanted this old episode of unsolved mysteries.I can’t believe no trace has ever been found. Someone knows something don’t give up.
Anonymous
The old episode still plays every now and then.
Anonymous
My sister, was her best friend and as a child I knew her as a big sister too. I believe she showed up in our family home around around 1989-90, I was ten when she came up missing. I know nothing new to the case but I wanted to comment to indicate to those that are looking for her that she really is not forgotten. For almost 23 years of my life I have hoped we would find out what happened that night. I also know Wayne and his family very well, as it is through them that she joined our family. We loved her very much. In knowing Wayne in the aftermath of this, and over the last 23 years, it is not easy to see that Wayne could have done it. But looking at the case as a 33 year old vs. a 10 year old, I don’t know. I do know Wayne has suffered since her loss though. I remember over hearing when I was young, that those love letters that were found at her work were written by the brother of one of the HPD investigator working on or near to the case. I don’t know, I was 10. I do wish somebody would take a another really good look at her case; I don’t think it was Wayne but if it was I want to know.
KnewHim
He passed in October 2015. Meet his maker? I don’t have evidence he did it. Just met him through the years. Lil strange to me.
Thomas
Define strange. Got any specifics regarding Wayne’s behavior?
Paul Kramer
Yes this woman’s case deserves and most importantly deserves having the case My Lord, she is absolutely gorgeous, her looks were of an earth Angle I cant imagine anyone who knows or knew of her has stopped pursuing investigations. In association to soliving this id never stopped , how could anyone. Firstly is to there are some really great Psychics eome that are used exclusively by law enforcement for unsolved mysteries such as this I would lime to assist on this case if possible. & foremost is to Polygraph test Wayne to see how that goes rather he has any affiliation with her disappearance. Curious as to why that wasn’t conducted seems to be a real lack of overall concerns with this case and why would an investigator , detective or P.I. having written these notes or letters this strangely unto it’s self and would cast suspicions If there is way I can assist friends or family with this matter please e-mail me at …Guitarzun.pk@gmail.com. My please make a great suggestion in contacting “The Viedoc Society” they my want excepting an opportunity in giving her Family another fresh look into – jump starting this case! Tara`s disappearing really requires a seriousness in new beginnings from Ground zero! In Jesus name praying, that Father asking for her safe return perhaps even word from her to her Mother if not from her then from a sorce that will provide an acknowledgement to give closer for all those who live her Please God give her Mother consultation to peace of heart, mind and soul thank You Father, in Jesus name we pray!!!
TMD
Was wondering who posted this…..this is Taras sister…I am always still looking.
Craig
Hi Tara, do you know the name of the security guard and/or the name signed on the note? I am a relative of a unsolved murder case. (Cheryl Henry’s case)These two cases have a lot of similarities and the handwriting on the note compared to one in my sister’s case are almost identical. I would love to speak to you if your up for it.
Anonymous
I was wondering why they looked so much into the guy who wrote the letters. He was investigated. (Probably more than he should have been.) Looking into the club is really a dead end. You should try it. It’s fun.
Anonymous
Terry, it must be torture to not know where your friend is, I’m so sorry. I find Wayne’s denial very interesting: “I loved her to death”. Maybe he did.
Jason
I thought the same thing. I get a strang vibe from the guy. When asked point blank: “how do you respond to the charge that David Hecker had something to do with her disappearance?” He reaponds “I dont owe an explaination to anyone except the Lord.” Rambling on about waiting to hear from “Him” for an answer. SUPER weird response. That, and “I haven’t committed a crime, so I can’t be charged with one, simple as that.” Hardly grieving the loss of his “loved one.” I guess he died in 2015. My guess is he killed her that night.
Cuz...Cary
If everyone close to her knew her as well as I did, they would know that today, September 30, she will have turned 48 years old. Today we should simply light a candle and remember that bad things happen to good people. I cared for Tara very deeply because she was & is a part of my family. Our blood runs silently through our hearts while the torment and conspiracies continue. Let’s allow her legacy to rest on this day 48 years after her birth and find peace in our own hearts and appreciate those we love now and then. Let’s stop the chatter for a moment of silence. The silence is deafening, but her spirit remains pure. Happy birthday my dear wherever you are we know you have found peace. Be silent in your spirit. God is with her and now so is her Father and older sister and now her older brother. Peace to all, now we rest.
some body
Its been 20 years with no contact. Shes obviously dead. Maybe the boyfriend was involved, but her place of employment is where pervs hang out. So there is potential for it to have been an acquaintance from there,nor the customer she was having issues with. I would still like to see an age progression of her. I
:)
Seem like all of her friends are trying to solve this.
Sherry Ann Reed
All of her friends would like to have this solved. I am a friend from High School and Tara was an awesome person, kind hearted and always seemed happy. Anything that anyone might know please come forward. Her family needs peace.
The Bartender....
I was one of the bartenders that night at the pool hall. Wayne was acting weird that night. He wanted to start bartending. He was suppose to work as a bar back that night as a way to start learning. He took off and didn’t return until almost closing. When he did return he was all anxious to get behind the bar. I was irritated with him because it was a very busy night and really could have used the help. If I remember right after all these years he even asked me to lie and say that he had been behind the bar all night so the owner wouldn’t know he didn’t bar back like he said he would. I told him I would not lie for him under any circumstances. My husband was working the door that night and knew exactly when Wayne left and when he came back. He was not alone. He was with his friend Dennis Burns. There was talk around the pool hall just a few days earlier that Tara was definitely kicking him out of the apartment this time because he was sponging off her. He was not working that I know of. As I remember it he was trying to make money playing pool. I could be wrong about that. Regardless, it was well know around the regulars that Tara was done with him this time and he was mad about it. One of the jokes I remember is he would have get a real job and stop living like a gigolo. We were all interviewed by the police. We told them every detail we could remember. The way he was acting that night, something was up. He was definitely different. Hyper almost after he returned to the pool hall. Rumor has it that a confession was made by his friend. I think it was Dennis Burns, I could be wrong. It somehow was told to another pool player friend that they will never find Tara, she was sold into sex slavery. At the time my friend told me that confession many years had already passed. I didn’t think that there would be anyway she would still be alive. I told that person they needed to go to the police anyway and tell them. I don’t know if they ever did. I was so adamant to the detectives that they needed to hold Wayne as the main suspect. I guess seeing how his life ended, Dennis Burns dying of a drug overdose, maybe in the end they got what they had coming. I can’t imagine holding onto a secret like that and it not eat you up alive! But Wayne was good at putting on the “boy next door” act. My personal opinion is that he was what we called “stuck on himself”; selfish and self-centered. It was an underlying current to his “good boy” act. From what I remember he half-hearted attempts at “finding” her. If he really did kidnap her and sell her into the sex trafficking trade, he would have to spend his life pretending to mourn her, pretending to find her abductors. I did not see any great grieving from him around the pool hall after she disappeared. Hope this doesn’t upset anybody.
Cuz...Cary
Your information seems to be the most accurate accumulation of the truth that night. Thank your for sharing and acknowledging what we all know to be true. He could not (and would not) account for his time and place during the time of her disappearrance. And hopefuley wayne (he does not deserve a capital “w” in his name), knew even in his own soul that he was a waste of oxygen. Ghost. Do noy allow the memories at the end to over-shadow the good memories of her wonderful life. Peace to Tara, Peace to all. Good night.
Concerned
Read what you wrote am still searching for her. She is greatly missed and if there is anything that you know that might help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless.
Leigh
Your story sounds very plausible and believable. My one question is re: the sex slavery statement. Was Wayne in a position to know people that did things like that? Most folks would have no idea how to ‘sell’ someone, thank goodness. I wonder if the rumor was started to stop people from looking for her. Of course, he sounds like an awful person that could have been capable of a cold blooded act like that.
Starr Lee Pritchard
YES ACTUALLY…….HE DID ..I GOT A QUESTION FOR EVERYONE. HAVE ANY OF YOU TRIED TO PULL UP A DEATH CERTIFICATE OR OBITUARY FOR WAYNE?/ I DID SEVERAL TIMES..NOTHING!! BUT FOUND ALOT MORE
Dancer 2
Rest your mind. Not one ounce of me thinks he sold her into slavery. He was dead broke and in need of money so badly that he came to the club and asked for money. The Mens club had taken up a collection of $10,000 to lead to information in regards to Tara’s whereabouts and within 3 months of her disappearance Wayne came in asking for it. He claimed he was broke, the loss of Tara’s income made it so he couldn’t afford to pay his bills and he knew she would have wanted him to have the money. A guy who just sold a girl into slavery would have been flush with cash, not graveling to the place he was trying to blame for his girlfriends murder.
Dancer 2
Just in case your wondering the club refused to give Wayne the money and reported the incident to the police.
Tara Putnam
I agree, Wayne was never the same after this happened. He lost it and was never the same. He looked for her constantly, tried everything.
Thomas
Not if he sold her to pay off his gambling debts. Word is, he owed several thousand dollars
Jason
I’m glad you shared, Bartender. It sounds like you have good information. I guess since Wayne’s gone, the case is about as cold as it can get. I like to check this forum now and then to see if there’s any new info. I hope someone monitors this and can help how they can (ie: investigators).
I just think she either game Wayne the boot or gave him an ultimatum and he couldn’t deal with that. I imagine he drove her car to the middle of nowhere, but, idk.
Anonymous
If Wayne was a construction worker or worked the oil refineries in Houston, it would be easier to locate her. But he didn’t do anything. As far as human trafficking, Wayne was not a pimp. It disturbs me he would lie to his friends about her living the rest of her life cheating on him. Something just is not right about him. Thank you for sharing that “The Bartender”
Anonymous
Did Tara ever call looking for Wayne? Because she would have known where to find him if he wasn’t working. You are right on about his gambling problems. She would have confronted him about that. I’m surprised your testimony didn’t arrest Wayne.
unknown
It been 20 year she maybe. Dead. Now
Monica
oh no doubt. Sad but realistically, i think she died the night she went missing. I think ppl want to know WHERE she is more than anything. wayne seemed to be an idiot so how he was able to hide her so well is beyond me.
Ursula McHenry O'Hara
I worked with Tara at the Ocean Club, she was very quite , a good girl. She didn’t hang out in my group she didn’t “party”.
But I believe she was dating a bartender there at that time, he was a little creepy. I remember thinking why is she with him?
Still in shock she disappeared.
Johnny
Beautiful Woman Tara. There was a good clue about her leaving early. Only Hal the manager, the Security Guard, other workers at The Men’s Club would know she left early that morning and a few Customers. Wayne’s a good suspect for this. The only alternative is Tara decided to disappear from the situation with Wayne staging the car on side of road. The only problem with that Tara would have contacted her family a few weeks later probably. One of the posters made a good suggestion about the killer being the man who gave her a ride when the car stalled. A real mystery case.
Ed Kow
You make a good point. If she uncharacteristically left early, and never really did that before, how would Wayne know? Did he call the club at that time? Did someone call him? Any records available? Cell phones were not really too popular during that time frame….maybe it was something more to do with the club itself. Was anyone else sent home early or just Tara? If she walked past the doorman without saying anything it gives the impression she was in a hurry or upset – sis she hear something and get sent home rather than opting to go home early?
dancer
She called him. She always called him to let him know she was on her way, she had to. He wanted to know her whereabouts at all times. If she didn’t get home in the amount of time he thought appropriate he would start calling the club and harassing the club. But not this night. Why?
dancer
I mean she called him but he did not start calling the club looking for her until hours later. usually it was minutes later.
Anonymous
That club is a little too honest for me. That is probably why they went out of business. Some clubs will let you pay them to lie about their wives calling for them.
Shauna
I hope authorities will do an age progression of what Tara might look today at 48 years old. I hope she will be found despite she has been missing for more than 2 decades
Angie
I knew Wayne Hecker personally. I knew him better than I knew Tara. I was dating a friend of Wayne’s at the time, and we had gone on a double date once. It was so long ago that I don’t remember details of the date, I just know we went. I like to believe that Wayne had nothing to do with her disappearance. I do know that after she was missing and after he had been interviewed by police that he looked for her. I know this because, my boyfriend had gone out of town to work and I stayed here. Wayne and I used to talk all of the time about Tara missing. He asked me if I would help him put up flyers all over town, if he had them made up. I told him that I would. He had a ton of them made up, and we went driving all over downtown Houston until late in the evening. We put flyers out everywhere. He wanted to call a psychic to see if they could help, which we did…..several times. I remember listening on the other end of the line while he asked the psychic questions, and I got goose bumps. I remember that we tried to form leads or places to look based off what she had said. We eventually gave up on the whole psychic idea and continued to put flyers up, about Tara. I do remember Wayne wanting to raise money to put Tara’s picture on one of those giant billboards on the side of the freeway. I also remember Wayne telling me that he thought that the club had something to do her disappearance. He said that she had overheard them (the managers) making deals about large quantities of cocaine and some other shady deals that they were making, and that she had been caught outside the door listening to their conversation. At that point I believed that the club had something to do with it. Not too long after that, another girl that left her shift at the same club had been murdered. This girl went to her moms apartment just a few blocks from the club. She was followed to the gate of her mothers complex and shot point blank in the face. She was taking money to her mother. She was in a corvette and had thousands of dollars on her and jewelry too. Nothing was taken…NOTHING! So why was she shot? This stuff kind of makes you wonder. I think that the club had something to do with it….with all of these bad things. But, that is just my guess.
Debbie
Sorry but I don’t think so. The sick boyfriend Wayne took Tara. Tara was sweet and as naive as the rest of us waitresses we all had bad boyfriends but she and few others had the worst.
Monica
I agree! But what do you think he did with Tara though? She was his money so I dont think he hurt her on purpose. I mean it was on purpose but not planned.. I can still see his face all those years back and tell he was guilty just like several other UM guests.
dancer
Sorry angie your friend lied to you. Wayne didn’t come to the club. Boyfriends weren’t allowed in and I worked there as a dancer for years and no one would talk openly about drugs in front of me why in gods name would they talk about them in front of Wayne? Besides if you knew my bosses you would know they didn’t do coke. They were pretty boring bosses for a strip club. The last time I spoke to the cops Wayne was their number 1 suspect. I am a Private investigator now and you know what I’ve concluded? the same thing the police have.
Starr Lee Pritchard
YALL ARE SO WRONG ABOUT IT ALL….I SHOULD BE A PI. ITS ALL ABOUT TO COME TO A HEAD. TARA DESERVES PEACE,,,,,,,,,AND HER FAMILY
Monica
angie stated that TARA over heard the managers talking about drugs not wayne.. which is a lie anyway lol
Monica
well what happened then Agatha Christie.. You dont know JACK just like we dont.
Dancer 2
The Girl that left the club early and was murdered was murdered by carjackers. I know. She was my best friend. Our managers were squeaky clean. Wayne is obviously a liar. Lots of the girls did crazy stuff but our managers would toss them easily. Drug deals, HARDLY! Wayne was a control freak and kept tabs on Tara, when she left the club she was expected to call and tell him and he would time her. If she wasn’t home in the set amount of time he started calling the club frantically, but not on the night she went missing. Lots of murders look for the victims like “oh no what happened” Common and unconvincing. Wayne wanted the money we pulled together for leads on her disappearance for HIMSELF.only 3 months after her disappearance. What does that tell you? He was ready to give up looking for her. I can’t prove he did it. I’m not 100% sure he did it. I just want to know who did it and get them off the planet but circumstantially it looks like and feels like WAYNE to me.and now that Houston is being ripped apart by the hurricane if they find her body in a cement or in an area that was being constructed at the time of her death, then that is proof it was Wayne.
Dancer 2
BTW that some girl who was murdered in the expensive Vette was all over the news. Her NAME was Debbie Newman a gang of Car jackers who specialized in vettes followed her, shot her in the face and instead of dying immediately she threw her car into reverse and called 911. She hit a bunch of cars and made a bunch of noise and drove into a ditch and died. A whole bunch of people ran to her aid to no avail while the gang ran away because of all the witnesses s. They were later caught as a result of the Autocrimes unit and fingerprints. Anyone who was remotely connected to the club or even read the paper knew that story. It only makes Wayne look guiltier in my eyes.
Anonymous
I’m surprised Wayne contacted psychics. Many clubs like that have numerous homicides. That is why they have security guards. I don’t know what happened. He was never charged. And he has passed away. Once thing police look for however is people who are overly interested in a case. Some people need to recluse themselves. That’s why I don’t like fresh cases. Because I myself would be a suspect. I don’t understand why he was that bothered by her. In all the homicides at that club the bodies were found. This disappearance looks premeditated. But I don’t know what happened.
Anonymous
I became a waitress at the Men’s club in 2001 and I never knew anything about this. I will say that their had been night’s where some of the stranges men would come to the men’s club. I mean really creepy. Sitting alone no dances just watching. I wish the bartender at that time had come forth. Only God knows what happened to Tara and I pray she is with him. I stopped working there in 2003. But think of here from time to time.
RISSSS
Yeah, cuz creepy guys never go to any Men’s Clubs and sit alone
Dancer 2
The clubs were so different in the late 80’s and early 90’s compared to the 2000’s
Steve
I was a bartender at the men’s club when this all happened. I was working the day shift on the night in question. However I remember talking to Tara during shift change. She was, having a few problems with a customer. Would love to pass this info on to the right sources. At the time I was never approached by HPD.I had my own problems so never came forward. I been living back in the UK for the last 12 years, and this sometimes plays on my mind
Debbie Carter
Oh WOW Steve I remember you. I worked with Tara the night she disappeared. I was 8 years older than beautiful Tara. She asked me how I kept from having lines on my eyes… she told me her boyfriend told her she looked old! I was shocked because Tara was a beautiful young woman inside and out! Tara was a sweet, quiet and beautiful young woman. I was heart broken when she went missing. I’ll never forget her! I’m sure she would have had a fulfilling life had it not been cut short.
Paul Kramer
Yes you definitely should have come forward with kind of information, especially if it was remotely relevant to Taras disappearing, working the same evening shift as she on the very same evening she became a missing person! You should be feeling so guilt ridden being absolutely miserable,how can you live with your self You knew her worked with her but your problems took persistence and were far more important and invaluable than the life of Tara, your a real piece of work! If what you say is true then Steve the bartender man you really needing to come forward with this are you afraid of being a suspect ! Perhaps I’ll contact the Sheriff’s office if you don’t!
Paul Kramer
Yes you definitely should have come forward with kind of information, especially if it was remotely relevant to Taras disappearing, working the same evening shift as she on the very same evening she became a missing person! You should be feeling so guilt ridden being absolutely miserable,how can you live with your self You knew her worked with her but your problems took persistence and were far more important and invaluable than the life of Tara, your a real piece of work! If what you say is true then Steve the bartender man you really needing to come forward with this are you afraid of being a suspect ! Perhaps I’ll contact the Sheriff’s office if you don’t!
Concerned sis
Never to late to talk to someone if it might help…like HPD have tried myself but with no luck.
Starr Lee Pritchard
STEVE IM SO CLOSE IM RIGHT ON ALOT. IF YOU HAVE NOT COME FORWARD PLEASE CONTACT ME ON FB PLEASE INBOX ME…..I AM ABOUT TO BRING FORWARD STUFF IVE FOUND OVER THE YEARS ,,.PLEASE CONTACT ME
Anonymous
For a slow night there are not that many suspects. And what little was there was thoroughly investigated. (One was related to a police officer.) The employees told everything they knew. The club is just a dead end.
Terry
I knew tara personally. I bought her chrysler coraba from her. I just want to say that it feels like her ghost in the car with me when im driving. Wayne had a breakdown on me and cryed for two days at the apartment at candlelight trails. On watonga. Now i have a few doubts about his involvement. But we were real wild people back then we used to go to alot of all night under ground clubs. We used to drink real heavy to all i remember is tara hooking me up with some chick named gina that tara had driven me to her house. About 2 weeks later she disappeared. I think a man named kent stevens had something to do with it. And wayne said to me that tara had an arguement with him at the mens club. You know that im not a bit scared of the mafia.
Dancer 2
Kent Stevens was the owner of the Mens Club. He was RARELY if ever at the club. Waitresses and dancers had no reason to interact with Kent Stevens. The owners name was all over the news at the time because of his high profile divorce. Wayne was trying to blame the club yet trying to get money from the club that they raised to help find Tara, Which was about 10,000. Yeah Right.
Starr Lee Pritchard
TERRY OMG NEED YOU TO FIND ME PLEASE ON FB
IMPORTANT
Anonymous
You are about the 3rd friend on this message board to report lies from Wayne trying to blame the bar. There was nothing in that club. I’m trying to keep this clean. If dancers were to be romantic, it happened after their shift was over. But even Tara wasn’t expecting to go home early. So that eliminates any planing with a customer. Wayne always wanted to have the last dance saved for him. He would have possibly been furious if he spotted her leaving early.
Joe
I met Wayne one night at the pool hall near Eisenhower High school back in 1992-1993. I remember her wanted pictures being all over the place. As we were playing pool he commented on the big photo of her next to our tables and I asked him if he knew the girl. He said “Yea, that’s my girlfriend”. Of course I didn’t know anything about what happened at that time. As the night went on and we played many games between about 5 of us, he asked for a ride home. I obliged. When I stopped, he got out and said goodbye. I rolled down my window and responded with “Hope they find your girl…goodluck!” I’ll never forget the look in his eye’s. It was a little fear, little guilt, little suspicion..I was a long cold look staring right through me. It wasn’t until years later that I heard the story on Unsolved Mysteries and just about freaked out. He was in my car and I offered the ride. OMG!!!
Anonymous
Those spacey looking eyes where sure a distraction. If you listen to just the audible of his explanation to the lord, it is very haunting. He talks about the rest of his life. Like he wasn’t expecting her to be found. (I didn’t notice any of that looking at him on tv.)
Mmmmhmmmm
I love how everyone commenting “knows” her.
Debbie
Hey everyone that knew or worked with Tara loved her. It’s been 24 years and I still think of her. She and I were working in the same waitress well that night. I’m not sure what time she left that night but at 1 am I realized she was gone. I think she left around 11 or 11:30 pm. She was beautiful inside and out.
Dancer 2
This is Candice. I was a dancer there. My best friend was murdered then Tara went missing. You might remember me. I spoke to the police right after and Wayne was working construction at the time. They thought her remains might be at a construction site. Now with the hurricane and all the rebuilding I am hoping they finally find her.
Starr Lee Pritchard
Candice i was a very close friend of the family. tara dated my brother for 5 years in school but i met the family when i was in the first grade.When this happened i coulldnt believe it. Today i am still digging,,,,,,,,getting alot of very interesting things.
Dont know what you were talking about a construction site but hit me on fb..VERY IMPORTANT….ALSO DID GINA HAVE A BROTHER NAMED WAYNE ARTHUR HECKER?
MESSAGE ME PLEASE
FB
Starr Lee Pritchard
MMMMMMMMMM
DO YOU KNOW HER??????
Alien
Did her car stall? There is no mention if the car was actually broke down or was just left there? If she broke down, someone could have offered her a ride and things went bad with that person. Or she planned on meeting someone there and left her car but what a strange place to leave her car.
Cary
The fan belt was CUT off of her car before she drove away from work. The belt was not found. She was being followed by Wayne who would not and could not account for the time of her disappearance. He is the only true witness, and luckily now he is deceased, unconformed & conformed at the same moment by Sargeant Rudolph from the Houston Police Department. Follow the trail…to Wayne, DUH!!!
Lucy
I put big dibs on the murderer being Wayne. If she left the mace in the car, it’s b/c she felt safe w/the person that came to help her out when her car stopped working. Easy peazy. The writing is on the wall.
Cary
We all know it was Wayne. I am her blood relative and growing up friend. Her call to me before it happened was seeking direction. The only closure I have had recently is that it appears that Wayne dies a horrible death of drawn out painful cancer. I wish he could have lived longer to suffer longer, but that is Gods’ will. She had help, but did help get there first, we do not know. She is at peace, in my mind…but I am not. Always thinking of her and our childhood fun.
Starr Lee Pritchard
Cary,
i grew up with tara since i ws in the first grade. i also am not at peace and to this day have been researching people, places, etc. im sure you are on fb. PLEASE FIND ME. THANK YOU
IMPORTANT
Anonymous
That is a very good point. And he was very possessive also. If he saw he not working he would probably think she was cheating. He was a controlling person.
Bryan Todd Adamson
I knew Tara well from childhood up. I visited her in 1988 in May. At that time a friend and I stayed at her home for 1 week during a vacation. She had roommates and lived in an apartment complex where many of the tenants were photography students at a local college. At that point, she was afraid of her boyfriend’s temper. He was suffocating her. I encouraged her to dump him and she seemed to be seriously considering that course of action. She was a very beautiful lady and despite where she worked, and the stigma that is often attached to those places, she was not using drugs to my knowledge and was an all around good person. I do not know anyone who would dislike her, but I do know that one person in her life at that time scared her…
Terry
I’m going crazy. Where the hell is my friend!!
Carrie
Yeeaaa…im sure she was your friend. Where do you nut jobs come from???
Vik
Carrie- in case you didn’t notice, people are drawn to pages like this in large part because google can place them there, so it’s not at all unlikely that friends of Tara’s occasionally google her and end up in places like this, where they might leave a comment. Are all of them legit? Probably not, but to dismiss their claims out of hand is baseless and ignorant.
unknown
Im sorry your guys’ friend is missing but it is best to think that she isn’t alive if she has been missing a while. Most missing cases involve the victim dying within several days of the disappearance. If you think she is still alive it is best to keep praying for her to return.
joyce Logue
back then it was easy to get rid of bodies usually through oil drum etc so I agree family and friends must pressure his friends they know what he did he told someone parent or friend or acquaitence
Anonymous
I’m sorry for your loss. It depends on who did it. If Wayne did it his budget is very limited. Normally detectives will check dumpsters on a homicide. But not at the missing persons level. If that is what happened she may never be recovered. A ground penetrating radar currently has a max limit of 100 feet. Most landfills average 500 feet deep.