‘I just want to bury her’: Sandston woman looks for closure in missing mother’s 35-year-old cold case

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A Sandston woman who has not heard from her missing mother in more than 35 years hopes she can find closure after investigators spoke publicly, asking for the public's help to find answers.

Anita Marie Gunn and her whereabouts have been unknown since August 31, 1990. She was last seen at her Chesterfield County home in the 6800 block of Route 1, just beyond the Richmond-Chesterfield line.

Gunn's daughter, Samantha Idell, said she will not rest until she finds answers.

"She was a person -- she's not just some trash," Idell said. "I just want to bury her."

Anita Marie Gunn [left] and her daughter, Samantha Idell [right]. (Photos provided to 8News)

The mother and daughter have been separated for more than just 35 years. The last time Idell saw Gunn was years before her disappearance, when Idell lived with her aunt. Idell also spent time in and out of foster care.

"I was always made to feel bad when I asked about my mother," Idell said.

Before she vanished, Gunn lived with her husband, Gordon Gunn, who has since passed away. Idell said her mother suffered domestic violence at the hands of her husband -- something she suspects is linked to her mother's disappearance.

Idell has never stopped searching. She discovered a Virginia State Police cold case site and reached out.

"It's been really a godsend," Idell said. "Somehow, it made me feel hopeful."

She said authorities have taken DNA samples from her that may prove key to finding Gunn.

"I would tell her I love her," Idell said of what she'd say to Gunn if she could see her now. "I always loved her, and I'm never going to stop trying to find her."

Idell wants to let others in similar domestic violence situations know that they are not alone. You can contact the national hotline at 800-799-7233 if you suspect domestic violence happening at home or in your community.

Crime Solvers is also offering up to $5,000 for those who have information leading to an arrest or the location of Anita Gunn. If you know anything about Gunn or her husband, or if perhaps her husband said anything to you, you're asked to come forward.