The Vanishing of Lurline DeWitt: A Stormy Night and a Cold Trail

A Quiet Life in Mansfield

Lurline H. DeWitt, a 77-year-old African-American woman, resided in Mansfield, Louisiana, with her son. Known for her gray hair, brown eyes, and distinctive dentures featuring two gold teeth in the upper plate, she was a familiar figure in her community. Despite her age, DeWitt maintained a degree of independence, though she had recently been hospitalized for high blood pressure and experienced periods of forgetfulness. She typically slept on a couch in the front room of their home on Oxford Road.

The Night of Disappearance

On the evening of September 27, 1996, DeWitt's son last saw her around 9:00 p.m. When he checked on her at approximately 1:00 a.m. the following morning, he discovered the carport door open and his mother missing. None of her personal belongings, including identification, were taken, and there were no signs of a struggle. The night was marked by a heavy thunderstorm, leading authorities to initially believe that DeWitt may have wandered off during the inclement weather.

Initial Investigations and Theories

In the immediate aftermath, investigators considered the possibility that DeWitt had left the house voluntarily, perhaps disoriented due to her medical condition. A neighbor was questioned as a potential suspect but was eventually cleared of any involvement. Family members were also ruled out as suspects. As the investigation progressed, authorities began to suspect foul play, theorizing that DeWitt may have opened her door to someone she knew or trusted, leading to her abduction.

A Case Gone Cold

Despite efforts by the Mansfield Police Department and the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office, DeWitt's case remains unsolved. Her disappearance is classified as an endangered missing person case, with foul play suspected. Over the years, the lack of new leads or evidence has left investigators and family members without closure. The case is documented in various missing person databases, including NamUs (MP4089) and the Doe Network (Case 1602DFLA). ...Read More

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