A trip to visit family and a doctor turned into a distressing mystery when a Sacramento mother and her baby girl vanished, leaving both their family and law enforcement seeking answers. Whisper Owen, aged 36, and her 8-month-old daughter, Sandra McCarty, have been unaccounted for since mid-July after what appeared to be an ordinary doctor’s appointment in Fresno, California. Despite being seen on traffic cameras and visiting relatives earlier, they didn’t make it back to their home in Elk Grove.
On July 23, 2025, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office took to Facebook to inform the public that the last sighting of Whisper and Sandra was on July 15, 2025. They were traveling in a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer, noticeable for its damaged side headlight.
Whisper’s mother, Vickie Torres, residing in Fresno, shared with the LA Times more insights during a report on July 31. Whisper departed Sacramento around 4 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. doctor’s visit for her baby. Whisper first stopped at Vickie’s home to change Sandra’s diaper before attending the doctor’s appointment. Post-appointment, Whisper spent some time at her brother Richard Owens’ place before returning to Vickie’s house again.
Authorities managed to track Whisper’s vehicle using traffic cameras. The footage pointed out that she and Sandra left the Fresno area at about 5 p.m. that day, following their visit to Vickie’s residence.
Police reports indicated that CCTV footage from a smoke shop in Atwater, approximately an hour and a half from their home and along their route, caught Whisper parking to change her baby’s diaper there around 7:30 p.m. However, by 8 p.m., the vehicle was last seen near Shaffer and Bellevue Roads in Atwater, before both mother and child’s disappearance.
Days have passed without new updates, frustrating their family and authorities alike. Despite the ongoing uncertainty, the police released a statement noting that current evidence in the investigation had not suggested any foul play.
Vickie mentioned that Whisper was accustomed to staying at her house, and that Sandra’s father – whose name Vickie withheld – wasn’t immediately concerned when they didn’t return home that evening. Still, concern grew when three days later, he inquired about them, leading to the realization of their troubling fate.
Vickie expressed to the LA Times her deep worry as a mother, especially because Whisper had battled preeclampsia during pregnancy, and her high blood pressure lingered post-birth, raising concerns about possible emergencies on the road.
Alongside Sandra, Whisper is also a mother to two more children from her current partner – a nine-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter – and a 16-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.
Emphasizing Whisper’s character, Vickie stated she would never abandon her children and described her as a beloved figure amongst their community.
The family remains vigilant, scouring the pathways between Fresno and Sacramento for any potential signs. Conversations with local business owners, distributing fliers, and circulating the information on social platforms have been heartily pursued. On July 21, Richard reached out via Facebook, updating on the status and appealing for prayers from friends.
Sandra’s older sister, Andrea McCarty, took to Facebook too, reiterating the key details from the police regarding the timeline and the car model. Andrea also mentioned that Whisper’s phone remained switched off, appreciating everyone’s aid in disseminating the news.
While investigators have checked shelters in the areas, no leads have been found yet. The authorities have described Whisper as approximately 5’6″ tall, weighing 145 lbs., with blue eyes and brown hair, while her daughter Sandra measures about 1’10”, weighing 17 lbs., with green eyes and brown hair. If anyone sees them, they are encouraged to promptly contact 911.
