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Crime Solvers Central
295 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP57339) and 9 other sources
On September 20, 1978, 12-year-old Carol Lynn Sullivan was last seen standing at her school bus stop in Osteen, Florida, around 6:50 a.m. That same day, she disappeared. Just 12 days later, her skull was discovered inside a rusty paint can more than two miles away, but the rest of her remains were never recovered. This gruesome discovery shocked the local community and investigators alike, who have been searching for answers ever since.

Despite initial suspicions and investigations, no clear leads emerged regarding the identity of her killer. Over the years, various theories have linked Sullivan's death to notorious serial killers operating in Florida during the late 1970s, including Ottis Toole and Charlie Brandt. However, no concrete evidence has been found to connect either to her case. The case remains cold, though detectives in Volusia County continue to investigate with the hope of one day bringing closure to her family. The paint can and traces of specialty automotive paint found at the scene remain crucial evidence, though they have not yet led to a breakthrough.

Last Seen: Sep 20, 1978