Milford Mom Vanished Without a Trace 38 Years Ago

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Elizabeth Kovalik, a 28-year-old mother from Milford, Connecticut, went missing in November 1987 after failing to show up for Thanksgiving dinner. Despite an investigation by Milford police and years of searching by her family, Kovalik's whereabouts remain unknown 38 years later. Her sister Jeanette Patton eventually raised Kovalik's young son, and the family had her declared legally dead in 1994, but they continue to hold out hope that she may still be alive.

Why it matters

Kovalik's disappearance has haunted her family for nearly four decades, leaving them without closure and raising questions about what may have happened to her. Her case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving missing persons cases, especially those from decades ago, and the lasting impact such tragedies have on the loved ones left behind.

The details

According to police, Kovalik was last seen on November 13, 1987, when she missed three days of work at Dictaphone Corp. in Stratford. A friend told authorities they had dropped Kovalik off at her home in Milford on November 15, but her official missing person report lists her disappearance date as November 13. Investigators learned Kovalik had been driven to New Haven by an acquaintance and was possibly seen near Chapel Street, but they have received no substantial leads over the years to help solve the case.

• Elizabeth Kovalik went missing on November 13, 1987.
• Kovalik missed Thanksgiving dinner with her family later that month.
• In 1994, Kovalik's family had her legally declared dead.
• Kovalik's disappearance remains unsolved 38 years later.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Police continue to investigate Kovalik's disappearance and urge anyone with information to come forward, but after nearly four decades, the case remains unsolved.