Richardson began dating Alexander Smith during a rough patch in her marriage. A photograph of Smith is posted below this case summary. She ended the relationship in mid-1990 and attempted to reconcile with her husband. Smith came to Richardson's house on south Meador Court in Fort Myers, Florida on July, 1990. Her twelve-year-old granddaughter was present at the time, and Richardson asked her to go to another room. She then called her adult son and asked him to come over. He promised he would, but fell asleep instead. Richardson and Smith left the house together sometime afterwards, leaving her insulin behind. It's unclear whether Richardson left the residence voluntarily or whether Smith forced her to come with him.

The follow day, Richardson called a friend collect and said she was at a pay phone at a Hardy store near Lake Okeechobee. She said Smith had tied her hands, beaten her and broken her glasses. She said he'd gone inside the store to buy liquor. Richardson promised to call back, but she never did. A store clerk saw her enter the store, wearing a nightgown. She has never been heard from again.

Another of Richardson's sons met Smith in Fort Myers a week later. Smith was driving Richardson's car. He said she was in a motel room and offered to let her son follow him there. During the trip, Smith flipped Richardson's vehicle on Interstate 75 and was arrested for drunk driving. Her purse was found on the car's front seat. The police held him for four hours before releasing him. His whereabouts today are unknown.

Richardson's case remains unsolved and foul play is suspected. She left behind ten children.

Above: Alexander Smith