Violet Ellen Watzulik, age 83, was last seen on June 2, 2000, at her home in Sarasota, Florida. Living in the 300 block of Suwanee Avenue in the Whitfield area, she shared the residence with her son, Carl Watzulik . Medical records show Violet was 4′11″, weighing approximately 106 lbs, with gray or white hair, brown eyes, and required daily medication. She also had a pacemaker and wore eyeglasses .
According to the Charley Project, Violet’s disappearance began after a purported trip in early summer 2000. Carl claimed that his mother returned home on June 10, packed her belongings for about two hours, and announced plans for an extended cruise from Florida's east coast to New England with a man identified as David Richardson. He said they met in Naples or Fort Myers, but no one in Violet’s circle knew Richardson or was familiar with the man . Violet’s family never encountered him, and authorities were unable to verify his existence .
Violet’s daughter, who lived in Arizona, last spoke with her mother in March 2000. Concerned by her prolonged silence, she filed a missing persons report in July 2000. Investigators reviewed her bank and credit accounts and found no activity since early June . Despite multiple interviews and inquiries, including checking travel records and interviewing acquaintances, no evidence surfaced to explain her whereabouts .
Carl Watzulik never filed the initial missing report; that duty fell to Violet’s daughter. Months later, detectives asked Carl to take a polygraph test; the results were inconclusive. His involvement in the case raised suspicion—he was subsequently barred from the home he’d once shared with Violet, due to perceived obstruction and lack of cooperation in the investigation .
Law enforcement conducted an intensive search, including deploying search dogs in the home and backyard, but no physical evidence or body was ever found . Private investigators were also retained and shared their findings with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, but their efforts similarly yielded no actionable leads .
To date, Violet Watzulik’s disappearance remains unresolved. With no confirmed sightings, no financial activity, and no verified travel arrangements, foul play is suspected, though no arrests have been made. Authorities continue to regard the case as a missing persons investigation .Last Seen: Jun 2, 2000
