Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP23600) and 7 other sources
Colleen Wood, 53, was last seen in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, around mid-December 2000. Wood, originally from Ohio, had moved to Florida in the late 1990s for a fresh start. She became romantically involved with John Paul Sr., a former race car driver with a checkered criminal past. The two were planning a five-year sailing trip around the world on Paul's boat, *The Diamond Girl*. Colleen sold her belongings, quit her job, and moved onto the boat to prepare for the journey.

However, after December 2000, Colleen was not heard from again. Her son, Michael, who had spoken to her earlier that month, grew concerned when he did not receive a promised package from her and was unable to reach her. Colleen’s disappearance was not reported until April 2001, by which time significant withdrawals had been made from her bank account through ATMs in Fort Lauderdale. These transactions raised red flags, as Colleen had not personally withdrawn the money.

John Paul Sr. claimed that Colleen left the boat after an argument and later returned with two men to collect her belongings, but this story has been viewed with suspicion. Investigations also revealed Paul’s past, which included convictions for drug smuggling and attempted murder. Despite these revelations, no charges have been filed against him in connection with Colleen's disappearance. Authorities attempted to question Paul further, but he fled the country, and his whereabouts have been elusive ever since.

Colleen's case remains unsolved, and investigators continue to search for answers regarding her fate.

Last Seen: Dec 28, 2000

Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

80%Moderate
Jane Doe — Florida - unidentified case UP1025
Jane Doe — Florida
UP1025 • Found Apr 18, 2005
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 46–60 vs 53 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 93%38 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 84%5'0" vs 5'2"
Weight 100%112 lb vs 115 lb
Hair 40%Red vs Gray
78%Possible
Jane Doe — Miami, Florida - unidentified case UP5285
Jane Doe — Miami, Florida
UP5285 • Found Nov 22, 2004
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 85%Est. 40–65 vs 53 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 96%25 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'2"–5'8" vs 5'2"
Hair 40%Brown vs Gray
76%Possible
Jane Doe — Miami, Florida
UP126729 • Found Nov 13, 2023
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 100%Est. 58–72 vs 53 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 96%25 mi away, same state
TimingFound 23 years after last seen
Height 100%5'2" vs 5'2"
Weight 60%148 lb vs 115 lb
Hair 70%Brown vs Gray
Eyes 0%Blue vs Brown

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.