Columbia Police Launch Public Search for Missing South Carolina Woman Last Heard From Three Weeks Ago

Columbia authorities seek help finding 38-year-old Candace Crawford, missing since Feb. 12. Information requested through CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 8:58 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The State

A Developing Search for a Missing Columbia Resident

Law enforcement officials in South Carolina’s capital city have initiated a formal search for a local woman whose whereabouts have remained a mystery for several weeks. The Columbia Police Department publicly identified the missing individual as 38-year-old Candace Crawford on Tuesday, following a period of increasing concern from her immediate family. According to a news release issued by the department, Crawford was officially reported missing on February 28, after a relative realized that the usual lines of communication had been severed. The investigation is currently in its early stages as detectives work to piece together a timeline of her movements leading up to the cessation of contact.

The Timeline of Disappearance and Last Known Contact

The investigation into Crawford’s disappearance centers on a specific window of time in mid-February. Relatives informed authorities that the last time anyone within her family circle had direct contact with her was February 12. Since that date, all attempts to reach her have been unsuccessful, prompting the nearly three-week gap that eventually led to the police report. At this time, investigators have not clarified whether Crawford was traveling alone when she was last seen, nor have they provided a specific location for her final confirmed appearance before the communication blackout began.

Current Status of the Law Enforcement Investigation

While the search for the 38-year-old has been elevated to a public alert, the Columbia Police Department has remained cautious regarding the nature of the case. As of the latest updates, officials have not explicitly stated whether foul play is suspected in Crawford's disappearance. The department is currently treating the matter as a high-priority missing person case, focusing on gathering information from the community rather than immediately declaring a criminal investigation. This approach allows for a wide-ranging search that covers both local and regional possibilities, as authorities remain open to any leads regarding her current state or location.