Josephine Doris Despard
Missing since February 7, 1984 from Olean, Cattaraugus County, New York
Classification: Endangered Missing

Vital Statistics

• Date Of Birth: January 24, 1958
• Age at Time of Disappearance: 26 years old
• Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5'2"; 102 lbs.
• Distinguishing Characteristics: White female. Short, thick black hair; brown eyes.
• Dentals: Available
• Scars: C-Section scar
• Clothing: Josephine was last seen wearing a red coat with a hood and a beige sweater.
• Footwear: Brown knee high boots
• AKA: Josie; Josephine Cottone Despard

Circumstances of Disappearance
Josephine Despard was last seen in Olean, NY on February 7, 1984.
She was separated from her husband and the mother of a then 6-year-old daughter. She was living with her mother on North Clinton Street and taking classes at Jamestown Community College. Family members said Despard was attempting to make a better life for herself and her daughter.

On the evening of February 7, Despard left the family home at 17.00 with a male acquaintance from Franklinville. They were reportedly going to his home to swap some stereo components. The man later told police that they instead went to the Olean Mall for a cup of coffee and that he had last seen her at 18.00. The man had stated that Ms. Despard met with friends at the mall and he left alone. The man died later that year by committing suicide. He was a person of interest during the few months before his suicide. The suspect had tried to leave the country after Ms. Despard disappeared. He was stopped at the Peace Bridge at the Canadian border, was charged with parole violation and drug possession and returned to the United States.
Josie was the oldest of seven children and was always close to her mother.

Investigators
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

Olean City Police Department
716-376-5678

Agency Case Number: OL-00662-06

NCIC Number: M-119435227
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

Source Information:
The Olean Times Herald
NamUs