Cole Case Chronicles: Inocente "Shawn" Richmond Yanez went missing from Tahlequah over 25-years ago
- Dennis McCaslin
- Sep 21, 2025
- 1 min read
Inocente "Shawn" Richmond Yanez, a 26-year-old biracial (Hispanic/Native American) male, has been missing since January 5, 1999, from his home in the 500 block of May Avenue in Tahlequah.
Classified as an endangered missing person, his case remains unsolved as of September 21, 2025. This case continues to puzzle investigators, with public assistance critical to resolving it.
Yanez, born August 29, 1972, was last seen at the residence he shared with his mother. She returned from her work shift to find the lights and television on, beer cans in the sink, but Yanez gone. He left behind his coat, cigarettes, and other personal belongings, which authorities consider suspicious.
Standing 6'2" and weighing 180 pounds, Yanez has light brown hair, brown eyes, surgical scars on both wrists, and a speech impediment. He may use the aliases Chavez or Gomez and was known as Shawn.
Family members reported he mentioned a friend planned to give him a ride that day, but he never contacted them again. His disappearance is uncharacteristic, especially given his six-year-old son, whom they believe he would not abandon.
Though involved with drugs at the time, his mother stated she would have helped with any debts, ruling out a voluntary exit.
The Tahlequah Police Department (918-456-8801) and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) (800-522-8017) are investigating. A $5,000 reward is offered for information leading to his whereabouts.
Tips can be submitted to OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.us or via Crime Stoppers. See NamUs #2304 for further details.
