In a recent interview with Digital, Nicole Ferguson, the sister of missing woman Katie Ferguson, expressed her deep concern about her sister’s disappearance. Katie, a 33-year-old mother of two, was last seen in October and was officially reported missing on November 2 in Cody, Wyoming. Nicole believes that something happened to Katie, possibly during an argument or disagreement, and fears that she may no longer be alive.
Katie’s family suspects her ex-boyfriend, Adam Aviles Jr., is involved in her disappearance or has knowledge about what happened to her. Aviles Jr. is currently in jail on a federal charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition. Although Aviles Jr.’s lawyer did not respond to Digital’s request for comment, Nicole has known him since he was a teenager and previously thought he was a good person who wouldn’t harm anyone. However, their relationship became verbally abusive, leading Katie to end it in May.
During a family trip in 2021, Katie and Aviles Jr. appeared to be in a good place. Katie’s stepmom, Angela Ferguson, had hope that everything would turn out alright for Katie. However, Nicole noticed a change in Aviles Jr.’s behavior shortly before their breakup. He became controlling, not allowing Katie to go anywhere or do anything without his permission.
In May, Katie planned to move to Alabama with her biological mom and children to escape Aviles Jr. The family trip was fraught with fear, as Katie constantly felt threatened by Aviles Jr.’s presence. Angela supported Katie financially and helped her find a hotel room to stay in during the trip.
Unfortunately, Katie’s situation took a turn for the worse. She sent panicked messages to her stepmom, expressing her fear of being stranded on the side of the road with her children. Aviles Jr. seemed to be following them, making Katie feel unsafe. Angela sent her money and assisted her in finding a safe place to stay.
After spending time with her mom in Alabama, Katie wanted to return to Wyoming. She contacted Aviles Jr. to pick them up, which surprised her family since she had cut off contact with him after the breakup. Angela believes that Katie wanted her children to be with their father, despite the troubled relationship.
Tragically, Katie disappeared during the journey back to Wyoming. The last confirmed sighting of her was in Trumann, Arkansas, around October 5. Aviles Jr. was later pulled over by the Texas State Patrol on October 9, but Katie was not in the car. The passenger side door had a projectile hole, indicating a possible violent incident.
Investigators later found Aviles Jr.’s 1999 Dodge Durango abandoned in the Oregon Basin area near Cody. Upon executing a search warrant, dried blood and fired projectiles were discovered in the vehicle, suggesting a violent altercation had taken place. Katie’s family is awaiting updates from investigators regarding potential DNA evidence found in the truck.
Nicole and Angela fondly remember Katie for her quirky and goofy personality. They shared stories about her love for rapping along to songs in the car and her infectious laughter. Despite their pain and fear for Katie’s well-being, they are determined to keep her memory alive.
The family has established the Katie Ferguson Memorial Fund at Big Horn Federal Bank and U.S. Bank to support future search efforts or memorials. They hope that Katie’s children, who may grow up without their mother and with a potentially incarcerated father, can find solace in preserving their mother’s legacy.
As the investigation into Katie’s disappearance continues, her family remains hopeful for answers and closure. They urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing Katie home.
