Patricia Marie Gifford, aged 18, was last seen on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1981, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She had gone to the Banana Boat lounge with friends to celebrate the holiday. During the evening, she encountered Dennis Sochor and his brother Gary, whom she had never met before. After her friend became ill, Patricia helped her to the car, and later returned to pay her bar tab. When Patricia's friend woke up hours later, Patricia was gone.
Dennis Sochor was later convicted of Patricia's abduction, rape, and murder. According to testimony and Sochor's own confession, after Patricia refused his sexual advances, he strangled her to death and disposed of her body, although he claimed to have no recollection of where he left it. Despite his conviction and ongoing searches, Patricia's remains have never been found.
Sochor was sentenced to death in 1987 and remains on death row. Patricia’s family continues to seek closure, though the case remains a tragic mysteryLast Seen: Dec 31, 1981
