The Vanishing of Michelle "Jolene" Lakey: A Scranton Mystery That Still Echoes

A Bright Spirit Lost

Michelle Jolene Lakey, affectionately known as "Jolene," was an energetic 11-year-old girl from Scranton, Pennsylvania, who disappeared on August 26, 1986. She had visited her mother at Mercy Hospital and was last seen walking on North Washington Avenue toward her home in the 1300 block of that street. Jolene planned to spend the night at a friend's house on Myrtle Street. Witnesses reported that a child matching Jolene's description was seen entering a light-yellow car approximately one block from her family's residence. She has not been seen since.

The Investigation and Suspects

Authorities believe Jolene was abducted by a non-family member. Frank Osellanie, a Scranton businessman convicted of kidnapping, raping, and murdering a nine-year-old girl in 1990, was considered a possible suspect in Jolene's case. Osellanie admitted to knowing Jolene and said she sometimes visited his auto shop and he gave her rides home. However, he maintained his innocence in her disappearance, and investigators are not sure whether he was involved. Osellanie died in prison in 2020.

Family's Ongoing Pain

Jolene's mother, Lois Dunham, moved away from Scranton shortly after her daughter's disappearance and now lives in Oxford, New York. She has expressed the enduring pain of not knowing what happened to Jolene, stating that every day is a struggle without answers. The family has made efforts to keep Jolene's memory alive, including retracing her last known steps and participating in ceremonies to raise awareness about her case.

Community Efforts and Memorials

In 2016, a $5,000 reward was offered for information about Jolene's whereabouts. Billboards were displayed throughout Lackawanna County and surrounding areas to keep the case in the public eye. A kiosk in front of the courthouse in Scranton was dedicated to Jolene, featuring her face alongside other missing children. These efforts aim to encourage anyone with information to come forward and help bring closure to Jolene's family. ...Read More

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