Home / Crime and Justice / Cold Case Solved: Kayaker Finds Remains of 1985 Missing Woman
Cold Case Solved: Kayaker Finds Remains of 1985 Missing Woman
1 Aug
Summary
- Human remains found in 2026 identified as a woman missing since 1985.
- She was last seen pregnant, arguing with her boyfriend about the pregnancy.
- Her disappearance is now an active homicide investigation.
- The remains were discovered by a kayaker in Cape Coral in May 2024.
Human remains found by a kayaker in a Cape Coral canal in May 2024 have been identified as Rose Marie Gayhart, a 23-year-old woman who disappeared in March 1985. Gayhart had moved to the North Fort Myers area just three months prior to her disappearance. Her family, living in Dansville, New York, became concerned when her communication abruptly stopped.
Witnesses reported that Gayhart was last seen leaving her residence after an argument with her boyfriend, Robert Paddock, concerning her pregnancy. A neighbor recalled Gayhart mentioning she was pregnant and wished to keep the baby, but Paddock did not support this. She was reportedly seen leaving with a man in a red pickup truck.
After more than 40 years without answers, DNA testing on the skull found by the kayaker confirmed Gayhart's identity, using familial DNA samples. Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore stated that while the identification brings closure to the family, the case remains an active homicide investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to ensure accountability.
