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The Vanishing of Joanne Williams: A Scranton Mystery That Endures
Missing Persons
The Vanishing of Joanne Williams: A Scranton Mystery That Endures
Posted by admin on April 7, 2025, 05:27 119 0
Disappearance of Joanne Williams

Joanne Williams, a 22-year-old resident of Scranton, Pennsylvania, disappeared on December 7, 1978. That evening, she departed from her home on East Gibson Street, driving her red 1977 Datsun 200 SX with white racing stripes, en route to an exercise class at her dance school located on Route 6 in Chinchilla. She was last seen leaving the class around 10:00 p.m., but she never returned home and has not been heard from since.

Discovery of Abandoned Vehicle

Nine days later, on December 16, 1978, Joanne's car was found parked at the intersection of Lafayette Street and North Everett Avenue in West Scranton. The vehicle was unlocked, and inside, authorities discovered her purse and paycheck, both undisturbed. Despite a thorough search of the area, there were no signs of Joanne, and no additional evidence was found to indicate her whereabouts.

Investigation and Suspect

The investigation into Joanne's disappearance led authorities to consider Frank Osellanie, a local businessman, as a potential suspect. Osellanie was later convicted in 1990 for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a nine-year-old girl named Renee Waddle. Additionally, he was considered a person of interest in several other cases, including the 1986 disappearance of 11-year-old Michelle "Jolene" Lakey. Despite these connections, Osellanie denied any involvement in Joanne's case, and no concrete evidence was found linking him to her disappearance. He died in prison in 2020.

Legal Declaration and Ongoing Efforts

In 1991, Joanne Williams was legally declared dead, but her case remains unsolved. Over the years, authorities have continued to seek information, and as of November 2023, a $5,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to a breakthrough in the case. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police in Dunmore at 570-963-3156 or submit an anonymous tip online. ...Read More

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