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

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP54333) and 6 other sources
In the spring of 1995, concerns grew for 74-year-old Katherine Margaret VanDine, a resident of Beach Lake, Pennsylvania. The last confirmed sighting of Katherine was on March 18, 1995. She was the owner of a tree and shrubbery farm in Berlin Township, Wayne County, where she lived. Friends became alarmed when they were unable to get in touch with her, a silence that was out of character. Their growing unease led them to report her missing on April 6, 1995. Katherine was a Caucasian female with brown hair and brown eyes, standing between 5'2' and 5'5' tall and weighing approximately 180 to 185 pounds.

The investigation into Katherine's disappearance, led by the Pennsylvania State Police, has been a long and frustrating one. Despite their efforts, no trace of her has ever been found. Foul play is suspected in her disappearance, though no specific suspects have ever been publicly named. A rumor circulated that Katherine had left for a vacation cruise, but this could never be substantiated by investigators. The lack of concrete leads and physical evidence has left both law enforcement and Katherine's loved ones with a painful void of unanswered questions. Her case is one of several cold cases in the region that continue to perplex authorities.

Years passed without any resolution, and in May of 2002, Katherine VanDine was declared legally deceased by the Wayne County Court. This legal step, while providing a sense of closure for some administrative matters, did little to ease the lingering uncertainty for those who knew her. The investigation into her disappearance remains open, a testament to the hope that one day, new information will come to light. The case of Katherine VanDine serves as a somber reminder of a life interrupted, a community left with questions, and a family without answers. Her disappearance is a cold case that continues to await a breakthrough, leaving a lasting impact on the small community of Beach Lake.

Last Seen: Mar 18, 1995

Possible Unidentified Matches (4)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

79%Possible
Jane Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP7310
Jane Doe — Queens, New York
UP7310 • Found Dec 3, 1995
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 78%Est. 55–70 vs 74
Race 100%White
Location 77%93 mi away
TimingFound 9 months after last seen
Height 100%5'1" vs 5'2"–5'5"
Weight 69%134 lb vs 180–185 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
Jane Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP6143
Jane Doe — New York, New York
UP6143 • Found Nov 17, 1999
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 85%Est. 70–90 vs 74 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 80%84 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'2"–5'5"
Weight 85%148 lb vs 180–185 lb
Hair 40%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
Jane Doe — Brooklyn, New York - unidentified case UP6020
Jane Doe — Brooklyn, New York
UP6020 • Found Jan 30, 2000
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 76%Est. 45–70 vs 74 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 78%89 mi away
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'1" vs 5'2"–5'5"
Weight 66%132 lb vs 180–185 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
Jane Doe — New York - unidentified case UP60275
Jane Doe — New York
UP60275 • Found Aug 20, 2019
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 85%Est. 60–80 vs 74 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 77%93 mi away
TimingFound 24 years after last seen
Height 100%5'3" vs 5'2"–5'5"
Weight 96%158 lb vs 180–185 lb
Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.