Written by Jakyirryial Toodle, an Alabama Cold Case Advocacy student intern from University of South Alabama
Published: November 10, 2026
Selma, AL – On a summer morning in June 2010, 17-year-old Tarasha “Pooh” Benjamin left her home in Selma, Alabama, to visit a local flea market. What should have been an ordinary day turned into a mystery that has remained unsolved for more than sixteen years. Tarasha never returned home, and her family was left searching for answers about what happened to her. Today, her disappearance remains an active missing person case in Alabama’s public law-enforcement database.
Although years have passed, the unanswered questions surrounding her disappearance make it important to continue sharing her story. Tarasha was born on September 16, 1992, and was only seventeen when she disappeared. Known affectionately as “Pooh,” she had black hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of her nickname on her upper right arm. Her mother, Regina Benjamin, has publicly spoken about the emotional impact of not knowing what happened to her daughter. In a 2011 interview with WSFA, Regina expressed the pain of having no answers while continuing to hope for information about Tarasha. Most missing-person resources list June 26, 2010, as the date Tarasha disappeared, although an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency alert lists June 27.
According to published case summaries, Tarasha left her home around 10:00 a.m. to visit a flea market in Selma. She was traveling in a gray Mazda Tribute that she had borrowed from a friend. Reports indicate that she stopped at a yard sale and encountered a relative who borrowed her cell phone to make a call. Whether Tarasha ever reached the flea market remains unknown.
The vehicle was later discovered abandoned along Cecil Jackson Bypass, approximately one mile from the flea market. According to published descriptions, two driver-side windows were missing, and the driver-side door handle was damaged. The vehicle reportedly appeared to have been disturbed. Various theories have circulated, including possible foul play. However, theories must not be confused with proven facts. No publicly established explanation conclusively accounts for her disappearance.
Although significant time has passed, even a small piece of reliable information could be important. Someone may remember seeing her vehicle, observing unusual activity, or hearing something relevant during the period surrounding her disappearance. Anyone with credible information about Tarasha Benjamin’s disappearance is encouraged to contact the Selma Police Department at (334) 874-2134.
About the AUthor
Jakirryial Toodle is a senior at the University of South Alabama, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Public Health. Following graduation, she plans to attend law school to further pursue her interests in law and the criminal justice system.
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