Friday, December 27, 1974. Two days after Christmas, in Youngstown, Ohio. Joanne Elaine Coughlin, 21, an aspiring actress and Youngstown State student, had plans that evening: a health spa in Boardman, then her boyfriend’s house, then a movie.

According to reporting, she was never seen again. Her car, a 1968 Ford Fairlane, has never been found. Her family had her declared legally dead in 1985. Nearly 52 years later, her case remains open, and no one has been charged.

In this episode, we look at:

• Who Joanne was, from her family and the people who covered her case
• Her last day and the sign-in sheet her family has questioned
• A reported scream near the quarries off Villa Marie Road, and why that account has never been tied to her
• A bank book that surfaced days after she vanished
• The theories, and why they are not evidence
• A mother who paid for a private search of the quarries
• What detectives are doing now, including NamUs, DNA and dental records
• Why a case like this can still be solved

Everything in this episode is drawn from documented sources. Anything alleged, reported or unconfirmed is identified as such. Nobody has been charged, and nothing in this episode suggests any particular person is responsible.

Have information?

• Youngstown Police Department Detective Bureau:

• 330-742-8911

• Crime Stoppers of Youngstown:
• 330-746-CLUE (330-746-2583)

• You can also reach me at voicesoftheforgottenpod@gmail.com or through the tip form on the website.

If you knew Joanne
I would like the next time I talk about her to include more of her life. If you knew her at Woodrow Wilson High School, the Youngstown Playhouse, Youngstown State or anywhere else, please reach out.

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