New Evidence in 2020 Disappearance Reopens Case of Former Wyoming Woman

A significant new lead has revived the investigation into the disappearance of Anne Elyse Elliott, a former Jackson, Wyoming, woman who vanished in Salt Lake City over six years ago. Salt Lake City police have confirmed a sighting of Elliott on the day she was released from jail in January 2020, correcting the timeline of her disappearance and providing the first major break in the long-cold case.

Elliott, then 31, was last seen leaving the Salt Lake City Detention Center on January 10, 2020. Her family had previously been told she was contacted by police that April, but investigators have now confirmed that report was false. The new evidence establishes that Elliott was seen later on January 10 in the North Temple Street area, approximately 33 blocks north of the jail.

“This was the first big break after six years,” said Sgt. Greg Wilking of the Salt Lake City Police Department. While not disclosing specifics of the sighting or naming any persons of interest, Wilking stated detectives are “very much actively working the case” and are worried about Elliott’s situation.

The news has reignited hope for Elliott’s younger sister, Emily Nardacci of Pinedale, Wyoming. Nardacci had driven to Salt Lake City to pick Elliott up from jail on the day of her release, planning to take her to a drug rehabilitation program. After waiting all day without seeing her sister, she eventually reported her missing.

Nardacci describes Elliott as a devoted mother and certified dental hygienist whose life derailed after a surgery in her mid-20s led to an opioid addiction. “This was the height of the opioid era,” Nardacci said, noting her sister’s subsequent struggles with homelessness and incarceration in Utah.

Despite the years, Nardacci and her father refuse to give up. “How can I ever stop looking for her? She’d do the same for me,” Nardacci said. The family and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Anne Elyse Elliott is described as 5’4″, 130 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Tips can be provided anonymously to Salt Lake City Police at 801-799-3000 or to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).