Likely Remains of New York Couple Missing for 44 Years Discovered in Georgia Pond

A New York couple that mysteriously disappeared in Georgia 44 years ago has been the subject of a prolonged investigation that recently took a significant turn. Retired oil executive Charles Romer, 73, and his wife Catherine, 75, were last seen with their 1978 Lincoln in the spring of 1980, sparking fears that they may have fallen victim to foul play.

Car tied to wealthy NY couple missing for 44 years

Charles and Catherine Romer, hailing from Scarsdale, New York, were on their way home from Miami Beach, Florida, when they checked into a Holiday Inn in Brunswick. Concerned hotel employees reported their absence, raising suspicions that the couple, known for carrying valuable jewelry, may have been robbed and harmed.

After years of searching, the case took a dramatic turn when volunteer divers, Mike Sullivan and John Martin, from Sunshine State Sonar, unearthed the submerged vehicle. Within a mere seven minutes, the duo located what they believed to be the Romers' 1978 Lincoln in a murky pond adjacent to the hotel.

Following the discovery, law enforcement agencies, including the Glynn County Police Department and the Camden County Dive Team, were summoned to the scene. In their efforts to retrieve the vehicle, the car was inadvertently spun around, causing damage to its structure. Eventually, the authorities managed to extract the deteriorated vehicle after draining the pond.

Possible Reversal into the Pond

Sullivan speculated that the Romers may have accidentally reversed into the pond while attempting to park, leading to their tragic drowning. The presence of their initials "C.R.R" embroidered on the back seat of the vehicle further supported this theory. Additionally, valuable items, including diamonds and jewelry, were discovered in the car, lending credence to the notion that the couple may have perished in an unfortunate accident.

Pondering the Delay in Discovery

The proximity of the pond to the hotel and the prolonged duration before the breakthrough incited questions about the previous lack of discoveries. Sullivan attributed the difficulty in locating the submerged vehicle to the limitations of sonar technology back in 1980, which hindered thorough searches in the area.

Sunshine State Sonar, a volunteer search and rescue organization, operates pro bono, collaborating with law enforcement agencies on cold cases. The team specializes in underwater sonar technology and has established a database of missing persons cases involving vehicles that have yet to be recovered.