Cold Case File: The forty-fourth anniversary of mysterious disappearance of Poteau's Ina Arnall rolls around next week

On May 28, 1981, Ina Arnall, a 46-year-old mother left her home in Poteau bound for Tulsa.

She told her family she had business to attend to, but what that business was remains unclear. The next day, her car was discovered abandoned in the parking lot of Tulsa International Airport, with no signs of struggle or clues to her whereabouts.

Ina, described by friends as warm, reliable, and deeply devoted to her family, was last seen wearing a light blue blouse and dark slacks. She stood 5’4” tall, with short brown hair and a kind smile that put people at ease.

According to those close to her, there was no indication she planned to vanish. Her sudden departure left her loved ones reeling, grasping for answers that have yet to surface.

The discovery of her vehicle at the airport raised more questions than answers. ''

The car was locked, with her purse and personal belongings still inside. No fingerprints, DNA, or other forensic evidence pointed to foul play, yet investigators found it odd that Ina would leave her possessions behind.

Airport surveillance was limited in 1981, and no witnesses reported seeing her at the terminal. Did she board a flight? Was she meeting someone? Or did something more sinister occur?

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has kept the case active, but leads have been scarce. Early theories suggested she might have left voluntarily, but her family vehemently disputes this, citing her strong ties to her children and community.

Others speculate she may have been a victim of foul play, possibly linked to an unknown individual she was meeting in Tulsa. Without a clear motive or evidence, the case has stumped investigators for decades.

In recent years, advancements in forensic technology have prompted OSBI to re-examine evidence, including items from Ina’s car. Despite these efforts, no breakthroughs have emerged. The agency continues to urge the public to come forward with any information, no matter how small it may seem.

The OSBI is asking anyone with information about Ina Arnall’s disappearance to contact their cold case unit at cold.case@osbi.ok.gov.

Tips can be submitted anonymously. As the years pass, the hope for answers remains as strong as ever for a family and a community still haunted by the mystery of what happened to Ina Arnall on that spring day in 1981.