Katharina Buczek
Eventually, investigators were able to determine who was using the Discover credit card following Karen’s disappearance. It was one of her acquaintances, a 63-year-old man named Thomas, and he was brought in for police questioning.
During the interview, Thomas alleged that he’d found the credit card outside on his front porch. Yet, he proceeded to fail a polygraph test.
What’s strange is that, following an analysis of his polygraph test results, investigators did not think he was involved in Karen’s disappearance. Yet, they still believe that Thomas knows the circumstances surrounding what happened to her.
Through a cell phone tracking analysis, authorities found that Karen had driven around Edenton the day she disappeared. She had visited a fast food restaurant, traveled past a bridge, and then drove back and forth to Thomas’ house – which was located on Johnston Street in Edenton.
Karen also placed a couple of phone calls after leaving Food Lion. Furthermore, her cell phone reportedly remained active until June 1, 2016.
Thomas ultimately pled guilty to obtaining property by false pretense on September 4, 2018. He received the maximum sentence – spending six weekends in jail as well as 36 months on both parole and probation.
He reportedly had a lengthy criminal record, including past convictions for financial card fraud, fraud of special identification, breaking and entering, and violation of vital records laws.
However, Thomas still claims that he wasn’t involved in Karen’s disappearance, and her mother, Arlene Murin, refuses to give up hope of finding answers.
Last year, Arlene detailed how her daughter’s disappearance felt “surreal.” And now, nearly nine years after Karen vanished, her mom still wants to know what happened – even if she doesn’t think that Karen is still alive.
“They say the worst thing that can happen that a parent can experience is the loss of their child. That is true, but I can take that to another level or horror for your child to vanish without a trace,” Arlene said.
According to Sherrif Shelby White, authorities continue to follow up on any leads in Karen’s case. So, her loved ones have created a Facebook page entitled “Missing Karen Rae Bosta” to raise awareness about her case. Arlene also issued a plea to the public for anyone with information to come forward.
