A disturbing case out of Texas has left a family searching for answers and a community shaken, after a man allegedly tried to cover up a brutal crime with a carefully crafted story.
A Relationship That Raised Concerns
Christopher Charles Sanders, 53, has been charged with murder in connection with the disappearance of his girlfriend, Molly Richards, 31.
According to investigators, Molly had moved in with Sanders in Little Elm in October 2025. But behind closed doors, things were far from stable. Her father, Steven Richards, later told police that his daughter had described Sanders as abusive.
The last time he heard from Molly was deeply unsettling.
The Final Messages That Raised Alarm
In November, Molly texted her father saying she was traveling to South Dakota with Sanders. Soon after, another message followed — claiming she was checking into a mental health facility due to bipolar disorder.
Then, silence.
Growing increasingly anxious, her father reached out to Sanders on December 15:
“I am worried about Molly. Can you tell me where she is and how she is doing?”
There was no reply.
A Suspicious Story Begins to Unravel
As concern turned into fear, investigators began tracing Molly’s last known movements. Her car was eventually located in Deadwood.
A witness told police that Sanders had asked him to watch the vehicle while he supposedly took Molly to a doctor in Rapid City.
But Sanders later gave a different explanation — claiming Molly had met another man in Deadwood and decided to stay behind with him.
Authorities quickly found no evidence supporting this claim. Motels and local facilities reported no record of her presence.
Troubling Discoveries
When investigators searched Molly’s vehicle, they noticed a strong smell of cleaning chemicals — a detail that immediately raised suspicion.
Soon after, her phone signal was traced back to Denton, near Sanders’ residence.
The investigation intensified.
A woman caring for Sanders’ dogs later discovered personal belongings belonging to Molly, including her driver’s license — further deepening concerns that she had never truly left Texas.
Evidence Points Toward a Violent Crime
Police executed search warrants on properties linked to Sanders and uncovered chilling evidence:
- Bedding with blood residue
- A receipt for a 24-inch bow saw
- Ten large five-gallon buckets
Investigators now believe Molly was killed around November 25, 2025.
Despite extensive searches, her remains have still not been found.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Sanders was taken into custody on March 16 and remains behind bars as the case continues to unfold.
Authorities are still working to locate Molly Richards and bring full clarity to what happened during her final days.
A Family Still Waiting for Answers
For Molly’s family, the pain is ongoing — made worse by uncertainty.
What began as concern over a missed call and unanswered message has now turned into a suspected murder case filled with unanswered questions.
And at the center of it all is a father’s haunting message that now echoes louder than ever:
“I am worried.”
