Lydia “Dia” Abrams, a 65-year-old ranch owner from Idyllwild, California, vanished over three years ago under mysterious circumstances. Dia, known for her deep love of animals, left behind her beloved pets and ranch, which raised immediate concerns. Dia’s partner, Keith Harper, and her son, Clinton Abrams, both believe something nefarious happened to her. Dia’s estimated net worth was around $10 million, largely from her sprawling 116-acre ranch and family trust. Dia’s sudden disappearance has left her family and friends searching for answers and grappling with many unanswered questions.
Last Known Moments
On June 6, 2020, Dia sent Keith Harper, her 74-year-old companion, an unsettling text message around 4:20 p.m. She wrote, “Harper, you cannot save me from all things. You believe you can, you cannot.” Harper, who was mowing the meadow at the time, planned to discuss the message with her later that night. However, when he returned to her home around 7 p.m., Dia was nowhere to be found. Harper found her phone plugged in upstairs, but there was no sign of Dia anywhere on the property.
Immediate Search
Harper assumed Dia was somewhere on their extensive property and spent the entire night searching for her. The next morning, unable to find her, he reported her missing to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Harper claimed that he and Dia had plans to get married and had met on a dating website called “Farmers Only.”
Family and Friends’ Concerns
Clinton Abrams, Dia’s son, was immediately alarmed when he learned about his mother’s disappearance. He rushed from his home in La Jolla, California, to help search for her. Clinton was convinced that his mother had met with foul play, noting that she would never abandon her animals, including her dog Ruby, miniature donkeys, and a miniature pony.
Julie Stanford’s Shock
Julie Stanford, a close friend of Dia, joined the search efforts and echoed Clinton’s sentiments. She found it unfathomable that Dia would leave her animals unattended. The searchers were taken aback when Harper left the property less than 48 hours after Dia disappeared, citing an out-of-state meeting. His sudden departure raised further suspicions among those close to Dia.
Suspicious Circumstances
Clinton discovered what appeared to be a forced entry into Dia’s bedroom, with the door trim cracked and the door seemingly kicked in from the outside. A handwritten note found inside suggested Dia feared for her life. Police also found two shell casings on the front porch and drops of blood on a sheet in the bedroom. Harper explained the blood as a result of his skin condition and claimed the shell casings were from firing a .22 to scare away a coyote.
Harper’s Past
Harper’s criminal history added to the suspicions. He had been convicted of unlawful sexual contact in Colorado and had a guilty plea for third-degree assault from an incident involving his second wife. Harper insisted the charges were misunderstood and claimed the assault charge was dropped due to lack of evidence.
Conflicting Allegations
Harper accused Clinton of having a troubled relationship with Dia and suggested he might have been involved in her disappearance. Harper claimed Dia feared her son and believed her life was in danger. Clinton, on the other hand, acknowledged their relationship had its ups and downs but insisted there was always love between them. He vehemently denied any involvement in his mother’s disappearance and dismissed Harper’s accusations as desperate attempts to deflect suspicion.
Legal and Financial Disputes
Before her disappearance, Dia and her children were involved in a dispute over a family trust established after the death of Dia’s husband, Clem Abrams, a successful developer. Dia had filed a lawsuit claiming her bills were not being paid by the trust, which Clinton denied. He believed there was a misunderstanding regarding her financial situation.
Power of Attorney
Just two weeks before she vanished, Dia reportedly signed over her legal decision-making power, including a power of attorney, to Harper and a friend named Diana Fedder. This move further strained her relationship with her children, who felt excluded and concerned about her well-being.
Ongoing Investigation
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has named Keith Harper a person of interest but has not charged him with any crime. The investigation remains active, and the sheriff’s office is aware of the conflicting statements provided by Harper. Dia’s family continues to offer a $300,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.
Conclusion
The disappearance of Dia Abrams remains a deeply troubling mystery. Her family, friends, and investigators are still searching for answers, hoping to uncover the truth about what happened on that fateful day in June 2020. As the investigation continues, those close to Dia hold onto the hope that she will be found and that justice will be served.