Silent Witness: Tina Lynn D'Ambrosio disappeared 16 years ago, detective reopen case as homicide

PHOENIX - Phoenix police detectives are now treating a 1996 missing person investigation as a homicide.

Sgt. Darren Burch with Silent Witness says detectives are reevaluating missing person cases that are "suspicious" in hopes of getting new leads. "It allows us to put more resources toward the case because it is investigated as a crime," Burch said.

Tina Lynn D'Ambrosio, 34, disappeared from her home on June 11, 1996. Detectives said D'Ambrosio called her mother that evening and said she would call again a few days later. She was never heard from or seen again. 

D'Ambrosio lived at an apartment complex near 19th and Northern avenues with her fiance. Detectives suspect foul play was involved.

She was connected to family and had a dog that was left behind, Burch said. "People don't just vanish without a trace," he said.

D'Ambrosio is described as a white female, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 123 pounds, with auburn hair and blue eyes. She had a light colored birthmark on her back and a full set of dentures.

Burch is hoping someone will have information that could help detectives solve this case. There is a $1,000 reward. Tips are anonymous.

If you know something, call 480-WITNESS.