Cleveland Missing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting families of missing persons, has taken an innovative approach to solving cold cases. The organization has created decks of playing cards featuring 52 missing persons cases, in hopes of generating tips that can lead to the resolution of these cases. One such case involves the disappearance of Lori Jane Kearsey, a woman from Gloucester, Massachusetts, who vanished on a Florida vacation with her new husband, leaving behind her young daughter. For almost four decades, Kearsey’s family was left with no answers and a sense of unease about her fate.
Recently, a breakthrough occurred when detectives in Davie, Florida contacted Kearsey’s daughter, Maehgan Smith, to inquire about any missing female family members from 1984. The Davie Police Department had been unable to identify a woman’s body found strangled and floating face-down in a canal in West Davie in February 1984. Using advances in DNA testing, investigators were able to link the bone fragments found at the crime scene to Smith, leading to the identification of her mother.
Smith revealed that her mother had married into an infamous Boston crime family just eight months before her disappearance. However, both Smith and the police have chosen not to disclose the name of Kearsey’s husband. While there is not enough evidence for an arrest at this time, the police have identified persons of interest and are hopeful that this new development will generate leads. Kearsey’s family had never reported her missing, believing she was in the witness protection program due to her association with the crime family.
Raised by her father and stepmother in a loving home, Smith had always wondered about her mother’s fate. When contacted by detectives, she was shocked but relieved to finally have some answers. As she grew older, Smith noticed the striking resemblance she bore to her mother in the few photos she had, further fueling her desire to uncover the truth.
The investigation into Lori Kearsey’s death is still ongoing, with detectives in Davie, Florida actively searching for clues that could lead to her killer. While further testing, such as analyzing the shorts Kearsey wore when she was found, is still required, the possibility of a 100% conviction may not be guaranteed. Nevertheless, Smith remains hopeful that justice will be served and that her mother’s killer will be held accountable.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to Kearsey’s case to come forward and assist in the investigation. Broward County Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 954-493-TIPS, and a reward of $5,000 is available for relevant information. As the case progresses, the goal remains to bring those involved in this criminal case to justice.
This breakthrough serves as a reminder that advancements in DNA testing can breathe new life into cold cases, providing hope for families who have long sought closure. The tireless efforts of organizations like Cleveland Missing and the dedication of law enforcement agencies are crucial in solving these perplexing mysteries.
