Mary Carter was 21 when her body was found on August 16, 1980, at the dead end of Martin Drive near Eastern Avenue in Cincinnati. Her autopsy showed she had been strangled with a ligature; there was no indication of sexual assault and she was fully clothed when discovered in a ditch behind a wooded lot. Two young children found wandering nearby, believed to be her children, told residents their mother had fallen asleep, which led to the discovery.

Earlier that day Mary was seen getting into a midnight blue Ford pickup truck with 2 to 3-inch white stripes on the sides. The truck was later tied to a suspect described as a white male, average build, 25 to 35 years old, with an olive complexion, blond or greying hair, a dark mustache, and dark eyes. Investigators checked more than 100 trucks matching the description, but no arrest was made and the case remains unsolved.

Anyone who knew Mary, saw that truck in Cincinnati in August 1980, or has information about the man described is asked to contact the Cincinnati Police Department.