Mary Jo Lee Long, a 17-year-old girl, was last seen on December 27, 1981, in Gardena, California. Originally from Austin, Minnesota, she had moved to live with her father in California earlier that year, against her mother’s wishes. Mary Jo had returned to Minnesota to spend Christmas with her mother but went back to California shortly before her disappearance. She was enrolled in Gardena High School, though records show she had been absent for some time leading up to her disappearance.
Her case remained unreported for several years; it was not until 1988 that her mother officially filed a missing person report in Minnesota. Tragically, her mother passed away in a car accident in 1989, and little progress has been made in the search for Mary Jo. There are very few leads, and her case remains unsolved, with authorities still seeking information about her last known whereabouts. Family members continue to search for answers, hoping to uncover details about her boyfriend at the time, who may have relevant information.
The Austin Police Department continues to handle her case, but no significant breakthroughs have been made since her disappearance.
Last Seen: Dec 27, 1981
