Human Remains Identified as Missing Woman from 1985: Investigation Underway

Human remains found in a Florida canal two years ago have been identified as belonging to Rose Marie Gayhart, a woman who vanished mysteriously in 1985. The Cape Coral Police Department reported that kayakers discovered the remains in May 2024, in a canal located in northeastern Cape Coral.

In May, investigators verified that the remains were those of Gayhart, who was last seen at age 23. Their confirmation came after working with a local medical examiner’s office and a sheriff’s office in New York, where Gayhart was originally from. DNA samples provided by Gayhart’s family members were pivotal in identifying the remains. The police have now classified her death as a homicide.

Police Chief Anthony Sizemore emphasized the importance of the findings. “While this identification brings long-awaited answers, it also strengthens our resolve,” he stated. “No matter how much time passes, even after four decades, our investigations do not stop, and our pursuit of justice does not end.” Sizemore urged anyone with information about the case to contact the police. This case remains an open homicide investigation.

Details about Gayhart’s disappearance highlight that she was reported missing by her parents in 1985. At that time, she lived and worked in the Cape Coral and North Fort Myers areas. CBS affiliate WINK shared that Gayhart was last observed at the Cape Coral restaurant where she was employed, formerly known as Big Howie’s Hot Dogs. Gayhart resided with her boyfriend and his mother in a North Fort Myers trailer park.

Laurie Travis, Gayhart’s sister, has pursued information about her disappearance for years. In a 2017 interview with WINK, Travis remembered Gayhart as “really happy” and expressed concern about her sister’s safety. Travis recalled that neighbors speculated Gayhart’s murder during the investigation. She mentioned an atmosphere of frequent disturbances at the trailer park.