Account
May 24, 2011
Jan 04, 2024
Linda
Bowdre
76
39
63 inches
65 inches
140 lbs
160 lbs
White / Caucasian
Female
In the quiet community of Springfield Township, Ohio, a Valentine's Day in 1988 marked the beginning of a lasting mystery with the disappearance of 39-year-old Linda Bowdre. A successful executive at AT&T, Linda was a woman who seemed to have a structured and accomplished life. That morning, she was seen having breakfast with her husband of 18 years, Larry Bowdre. This meal would be the last confirmed sighting of her. Concern grew when Linda, known for her impeccable work attendance, failed to show up for her job the following day. Her supervisor reported her missing, setting in motion an investigation that has continued for decades. The initial search of the area surrounding her home yielded no clues to her whereabouts, and a troubling silence began to descend upon the case. The details that emerged in the days and weeks following Linda's disappearance painted a complex picture of her life. Investigators found that she had left behind all of her personal belongings, including her car, clothing, and cherished antique jewelry, which suggested she did not leave voluntarily. The only item missing was her purse, which was discovered about a week later in a mailbox at a Cincinnati post office with her credit cards and other personal items still inside. As authorities delved deeper, they learned that Linda's marriage was strained. She was reportedly having an affair with a coworker and had an appointment scheduled with a divorce attorney for the day after she was last seen. Her husband, Larry, was aware of the affair and Linda's intention to end their marriage. He had even written a letter to the wife of Linda's lover, seeking her help in persuading Linda to stay, and had sent a threatening letter to the man involved. When police first interviewed Larry at their home, they noted the strong odor of chlorine bleach and that several windows were open. Despite the passage of time, the investigation into Linda Bowdre's disappearance remains open, though it has been classified as a homicide by authorities who have long suspected foul play. Larry Bowdre, who maintained his wife had run off with her boyfriend, became uncooperative with the investigation shortly after she vanished and hired an attorney. In 1989, Linda's mother filed a lawsuit against him, citing severe emotional distress due to his failure to inform her of her daughter's disappearance. The lawsuit also sought the return of antique furniture. Over the years, searches have been conducted based on tips, including one in 2002 prompted by an anonymous caller, but these efforts have not led to a breakthrough in the case. The lack of concrete evidence and the absence of a body have left Linda's loved ones without answers, and her case stands as a painful and unresolved tragedy in the community.
Feb 14, 1988
Cincinnati
Ohio
Hamilton County
31014
Springfield Township Police Department
Cincinnati
Ohio
,
OCA# 2731-88
1988-02-16
Springfield Township Police Department
Sandy
Green
Green
05/30/2026
