Patricia Marie Gifford was 18 when she was last seen on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1981, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She had gone to the Banana Boat lounge with friends. During the evening she met Dennis Sochor and his brother Gary, whom she did not know. After helping an ill friend to the car, Patricia returned to the bar to pay the tab; when the friend woke hours later, Patricia was gone.

Dennis Sochor was later convicted of Patricia’s abduction, rape, and murder. Testimony and Sochor’s own confession say that after Patricia refused his sexual advances he strangled her and disposed of her body, though he claimed he could not remember where. Despite searches and the conviction, Patricia’s remains have never been found and her family continues to seek closure.

If anyone knew Patricia, was at the Banana Boat that night, or has information about her remains, please share what you know.