Texas Man Faces Murder Charges in Girlfriend's Disappearance
A Texas man is now in custody, accused of murdering his girlfriend and transporting her remains across state lines, according to newly released arrest documents. Christopher Charles Sanders, 53, was arrested on suspicion of killing 31-year-old Molly Richards, who vanished in late November 2025. Despite an extensive search, her body has not been located.
Investigation Launched After Father Reports Daughter Missing
The case began in January when Molly Richards' father, Steven Richards, contacted police in Little Elm, Texas, after not hearing from his daughter since November. He last saw her that month and received a text stating she and Sanders were traveling to South Dakota. On December 1, he received a final message from her claiming she was checking into a mental health facility for bipolar disorder, but subsequent messages went unanswered.
Concerns grew when Richards texted Sanders on December 10, asking, "Went by your place. Where is Molly anyway? There was no answer at the door, and I didn't see her car. I am worried about Molly. Can you tell me where she is and how she is doing?" Sanders did not respond, prompting the father to file a missing persons report.
Evidence Points to Foul Play Despite Lack of Body
Investigators traced Molly Richards' car to Deadwood, South Dakota, where it was involved in a minor crash. A witness there told police he met the couple at a bar in November and agreed to watch her car at Sanders' request. Sanders allegedly claimed he was taking Richards to a doctor in Rapid City, then flew back to Texas, later returning for his own vehicle while leaving hers behind.
The witness also stated that Sanders said Richards had met another man and was staying at a motel in Rapid City. However, checks with mental health facilities, hospitals, and motels revealed no record of her checking in anywhere as claimed by Sanders.
Personal Belongings and Suspicious Purchases Found
Days later, a woman caring for Sanders' dogs at his South Dakota property discovered several of Richards' belongings in a dresser drawer, including her driver's license, bank cards, laptop, prescription medication, and unopened mail. Her laptop had not been used since November 14, and her bank accounts showed no activity beyond recurring subscription charges after November.
Investigators noted it would be out of character for Richards to leave behind such personal items. Search warrants executed at properties tied to Sanders in Little Elm and Denton uncovered bedding with blood residue and a receipt for tools including a 24-inch bow saw, multiple five-gallon buckets, a tamper, a reciprocating saw, and gloves. The tools themselves were not recovered.
Alleged Timeline of Events and Disposal of Body
Authorities believe Richards was killed on or around November 25. By reconstructing the route of her vehicle, investigators determined it traveled through Oklahoma on the way to South Dakota on November 27. They identified a gap of one hour and nine minutes when the vehicle was near Sanders' property in Marietta, Oklahoma.
Investigators allege this window is when Sanders disposed of Richards' body, likely on or near the property, before continuing north. Sanders was arrested on March 7 in Marietta, Oklahoma, as he was traveling from South Dakota. He has denied killing Richards and refused to provide details on her whereabouts.
Sanders is currently held in the Denton County Jail without bail, as the investigation continues into this tragic case that spans multiple states and involves compelling circumstantial evidence.
