Paula and Brandon Wade – Valdosta, Georgia

Paula and Brandon Wade: Mother and son missing since 2002

Paula Ann McGrath Wade was born on October 30, 1976, in Athens, Greece, to parents Regis and Mary McGrath. Paula grew up in Athens with two older siblings, a brother and a sister.

Paula married Lance Wade, an Air Force Staff Sergeant whom she met in high school in Germany. In 1997 They moved to Valdosta, GA, where he was stationed at Moody Air Force Base. In July 1999, the couple welcomed a baby boy named Brandon Wade.

October 13, 2002 Paula, 25 years old, worked at Sam’s Club in Valdosta, Georgia. When she failed to show up for work, a rare occurrence, her co-workers grew concerned. Her supervisor sent someone to check her residence twice that morning. Paula’s 1998 Chevy Blazer was in the parking lot, but there was no sign of Paula or her 3-year-old son, Brandon. Police arrived at her apartment and searched with the landlord’s assistance. They found Paula’s car keys, wallet, purse, and glasses, which she relied on due to poor eyesight. The only item missing was Brandon’s car seat.

Missing Paula and Brandon Wade

Timeline of Paula Ann and Brandon Wade

Paula married Lance Wade, an Air Force Staff Sergeant whom she met in high school in Germany. In 1997 They moved to Valdosta, GA, where he was stationed at Moody Air Force Base. In July 1999, the couple welcomed a baby boy named Brandon Wade

2002 – Paula’s Wade Life in Valdosta, Georgia

Paula’s Job

  • Paula Wade, 25, worked in membership at Sam’s Club in Valdosta, Georgia, where she was known for her dedication and kindness.
  • Maria Manning, an assistant manager at Sam’s Club, recalls Paula’s encouragement in her career advancement and the close friendship they shared. Manning and Paula, along with Paula’s son Brandon, often carpooled from their shared apartment complex.

Family and Future Plans

  • Paula’s husband was stationed five hours away at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. Paula was excited about an approved transfer to a Sam’s Club location in Kissimmee, Florida, which would bring her closer to family. Her parents, husband, and family were planning to help her with the move the following week.

October 12, 2002 – Last Known Sighting

Leaving Work

  • Paula was last seen leaving her job at Sam’s Club on Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 3 PM

October 13, 2002 – Disappearance

Missed Communication and Initial Concern

  • Paula missed her routine Sunday phone call with her parents, which was highly unusual and sparked initial concerns.

Date of Disappearance

  • It is believed that Paula and her 3-year-old son, Brandon, vanished on October 13, 2002.

October 14, 2002 – Officially Reported Missing

Absence Noticed at Work

  • Paula did not arrive at work on Monday, October 14, prompting her concerned supervisor to send someone to her residence twice that morning to check on her.

Apartment Check and Findings

  • Paula’s 1998 Chevy Blazer was found in the parking lot, but Paula and Brandon were nowhere to be found. Police were called, and with the landlord’s help, they searched the apartment, finding:
  • Paula’s keys, wallet, purse, glasses (essential as she was nearly blind without them), and other belongings.
  • Missing items included only Brandon’s car seat, suggesting it may have been taken with them.

Initial Investigation

  • Police notified Paula’s family, who reported they were unaware of anyone who might harm Paula or Brandon. They also found it troubling that she missed their weekly call the day before.

Search and Investigation Efforts

  • Law enforcement immediately began searching the apartment complex, interviewing residents, posting flyers, and combing nearby wooded areas. No leads were uncovered in these efforts.
  • Sgt. Steve Owens said ‘We still have a feeling she might be out there on her own somewhere, but we do have some indications of foul play,’ He did not specify what this evidence was. Source
  • Paula’s roommate, 19-year-old Marcus Randolf Burroughs, provided no helpful information and refused a polygraph test, invoking his right to an attorney. Initially Detectives were unable to tracked down Marcus Randolf Burroughs for questioning, but was later located at Lowndes County jail after being arrested for theft and providing a false name. Burroughs was uncooperative, refused to take a polygraph test, and hired a lawyer.
  • Cedric Bell, an acquaintance of Burroughs, was questioned by police and directed them to an area where he claimed the bodies could be found, though only deer bones were recovered. Paula’s family believes Bell should undergo further questioning.
  • Paula’s husband, Staff Sergeant Lance Wade, stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, was questioned and cleared of involvement through a polygraph test.
  • According to Paula’s father, Regis McGrath, Paula’s disappearance is highly unusual. He noted that they spoke every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. without fail. He also pointed out that Paula’s vehicle remained in the apartment complex’s lot, though the child safety seat had been removed.
  • Police concentrated their search on the apartment complex, distributing fliers, interviewing residents, and searching nearby woods for clues but uncovered no leads. Source

2023 – Renewed Investigation

FBI Involvement

  • In the summer of 2023, the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office joined forces with the Valdosta Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in renewed efforts to uncover new clues in Paula and Brandon’s case.

Present – Ongoing Awareness and Investigation

Community Remembrance and Family Dedication

  • Paula’s family continues to make annual trips to Valdosta to mark the anniversary of her disappearance and maintain public awareness of the case.

New Age Progression Photos Source

  • Age progression photos of Paula and Brandon have been released in hopes of finding them or uncovering new information. A new detective has been assigned to re-examine the case.

Despite extensive searches and renewed investigations, no suspects have been identified, and Paula and Brandon Wade remain missing.

On November 14, 2024, the Valdosta Police Department shared an update on their Facebook page regarding the disappearance of Paula Wade and her son, Brandon.

“It has been 22 years since anyone has seen or heard from Paula Ann Wade and her son Brandon Lee Wade. They were reported missing on October 14, 2002, from their residence in the 1400 block of North St. Augustine Road. At the time of their disappearance, Paula was employed at Sam’s Club. Attached are photos of possible age progression of Brandon to 23 years of age, as well as Paula to 45 years of age. If anyone has any information on this case, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or leave a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department .” Source


Paula Ann Wade

Paula Wade DOB: Oct 30, 1976

Sex: Female Race: White

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown Height: 5”7″ (170 cm) Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)

Missing From: VALDOSTA, GA. USA

Medical Conditions: Paula has allergies and takes medication to control them. She did not have her allergy medicine with her when she disappeared. She also has asthma and uses an inhaler.

Paula has a birthmark on the upper part of one of her legs and her top canine teeth protrude in front of her other top teeth. She may also use the last name McGrath.

Brandon Lee Wade

Brandon Wade

DOB: Jul 15, 1999

Missing: Oct 14, 2002

Sex: Male Race: White

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Hazel

Missing From: VALDOSTA, GA.