Florida Police Identify 1985 Cold Case Remains as Missing Woman

In a significant breakthrough, Florida police identified human remains found two years ago as those of Rose Marie Gayhart, a woman who went missing in 1985. The Cape Coral Police Department confirmed that kayakers discovered the remains in northeastern Cape Coral in May 2024. The remains were confirmed to belong to Gayhart in May this year using DNA samples provided by her family.

Gayhart, who disappeared at the age of 23, has now been identified through a joint effort between Cape Coral’s violent crimes unit, a local medical examiner, and a sheriff’s office in New York, where Gayhart originally resided.

The police have classified Gayhart’s death as a homicide and reopened the investigation. Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore emphasized the importance of this identification, stating, “No matter how much time passes, even after four decades, our investigations do not stop.” He also urged anyone with information to come forward to aid in resolving the case.

“While this identification brings long-awaited answers, it also strengthens our resolve,” said Sizemore. “This is now considered an active homicide investigation, and we are committed to following every lead.”

Police records show Gayhart was reported missing by her parents, who lived in Danville, New York, in 1985. At the time of her disappearance, she was living and working in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers. CBS affiliate WINK reported that Gayhart was last seen at Big Howie’s Hot Dogs, a local restaurant where she worked. She shared a trailer park residence in North Fort Myers with her boyfriend and his mother.

Gayhart’s sister, Laurie Travis, searched for answers for decades. She shared with WINK in a 2017 interview how Gayhart was in high spirits and had invited her to Florida just weeks before her disappearance. Travis believes Gayhart was murdered, noting that neighbors reported frequent disturbances in the trailer park at the time.