Patricia Lee Hesse, 34, vanished from Rutland, Vermont, after being last seen shopping at the Rutland Mall on November 9, 1981. That afternoon she bought a fur coat; later that evening her landlady found Patricia’s stove with food burning and the table set for dinner, but Patricia was not in the apartment. The newly purchased fur coat was discovered hanging in her closet and there were no signs of a struggle or missing belongings.

Patricia had lived alone, having left her parents’ home three years earlier after her mother’s death, and had experienced emotional trauma following her boyfriend’s suicide in the early 1970s. Her sister Pamela carried out her own inquiries and believed foul play was involved. Skeletal remains found in 1987 briefly drew attention but were later identified as belonging to someone else. The Rutland Police Department continues to seek information.

If anyone knew Patricia, saw her on November 9, 1981, or has information that could help close this case, please come forward.