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Olynthia Harper Missing Person Case

Last seen in Syracuse, New York on Sep 20, 1985

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Victim Details

Jul 1, 2010

Mar 12, 2024

Olynthia

Harper

66

25

65 inches

130 lbs

Black / African American

Female

Sep 20, 1985

Syracuse

New York

Onondaga County

8758

Syracuse Police Department

Syracuse

New York

Onondaga County

13202

511 S. State Street, New York

3154425111

Local

Law Enforcement

86-17848

Syracuse Police Department

Brown

Brown

Brown

Sep 30, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP7594) and 5 other sources
Olynthia Harper, a 25-year-old mother of two, was last seen on the evening of September 20, 1985, in Syracuse, New York. She had left her children with an acquaintance at a residence located on West Onondaga Street around 11:00 p.m., with plans to return, but she never did. Harper was known to frequent various parks along South Avenue, a detail that investigators later highlighted as part of her daily routine.

At the time of her disappearance, Harper was wearing a denim jacket and tan pants. Described as a Black woman standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 130 pounds, she had brown hair and brown eyes. No significant leads or updates have emerged in her case over the years, leaving the mystery of her disappearance unsolved.

Harper's case remains open, with law enforcement and the community continuing efforts to seek information. Authorities urge anyone with knowledge about her whereabouts or the circumstances of her disappearance to come forward. Despite the many years that have passed, her family and investigators still hope for a resolution to this case.
Last Seen: Sep 20, 1985

Links to Additional Sources (5)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Olynthia Ann Harper - The Charley Project
  • ON THIS DAY: Missing Olynthia Ann Harper - Syracuse, New York
  • 2678DFNY - Olynthia Harper - Doe Network
  • Case Files | Where are they?
  • 1985 - The Charley Project Blog

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

    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.

    75%Possible
    Jane Doe — Brooklyn, New York - unidentified case UP5757
    Jane Doe — Brooklyn, New York
    UP5757 • Found Jan 2, 2002
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 35–50 vs 25 when missing
    Race 100%Black
    Location 55%200 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 16 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
    Weight 100%132 lb vs 130 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    75%Possible
    Jane Doe — New York, New York - unidentified case UP6910
    Jane Doe — New York, New York
    UP6910 • Found May 6, 1996
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 30–40 vs 25 when missing
    Race 100%Black
    Location 57%192 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 11 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'4" vs 5'5"
    Weight 100%135 lb vs 130 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    75%Possible
    Jane Doe — Queens, New York - unidentified case UP8338
    Jane Doe — Queens, New York
    UP8338 • Found Apr 19, 1992
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 100%Est. 20–35 vs 25 when missing
    Race 100%Black
    Location 55%201 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 7 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'6" vs 5'5"
    Weight 69%163 lb vs 130 lb
    Hair 100%Brown 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.

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    Forum Posts (3)

    I was digging through some old newspaper archives and noticed something interesting about Olynthia... ...Read More
    11/21/2024
    Hey everyone, I've been following Olynthia Harper's case for a while now, and I can't help but think... ...Read More
    04/10/2024
    Hey everyone, just wanted to chime in on Olynthia Harper's case. I’ve been digging through some old... ...Read More
    01/27/2024

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