January 16, 2013
Possible Evidence Uncovered in 20 Year-Old Missing Person Case
On June 30, 1993, Punta Gorda Police Officers responded to the 3700 block of Whippoorwill Blvd. for a report of a missing 64 year-old woman. The missing woman, Frances Hendrickson was last seen by a neighbor driving her 1987 light blue colored Buick station wagon.
Approximately two years ago, the case was reopened using sonar to search City canals for the missing woman’s vehicle. Detectives teamed up with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in the effort. Earlier today, using a new advanced sonar technology, a light blue colored station wagon was discovered in a canal behind the intersection of Whippoorwill Blvd. and Eider Street, just blocks from the missing woman’s home. This area was previously searched by air and water numerous times. The Punta Gorda Police Dive Team has secured the location.
An operation to recover the vehicle will begin tomorrow around 9:00 a.m. Media is requested to avoid the area overnight and stage tomorrow morning at the end of Plover Court (best viewing area).
Prepared by:
Captain Thomas Lewis
Operations Commander
Punta Gorda Police Department
(941) 575-5539