Marie Wade, 19: Last Seen in Los Angeles In 1983
In the summer of 1983, I was just celebrating my first birthday in Detroit. I have no recollection of the joyous event, but I’m sure that I was surrounded by loved ones who were enjoying the muggy, hot Michigan summer in my grandparents’ large backyard. Yet, on the other side of the country in a city that I would soon call home, another family was growing concerned over Marie Wade.
That year on my birthday, July 11, was the last time Marie was seen. The 19-year-old Los Angeles, California resident went missing without a trace, and since that time, her story has either fallen through the cracks or, like many, has been collecting dust on cold case shelves.
The only information that has been made public is the date of her disappearance and one grainy photo to help identify her. Other than that, there is nothing else known about Marie’s last moments or encounters that day. There also has been no information shared about Marie Wade, her personal life, her employment, her romantic relationships, or her friendship circle.
In fact, I could not locate any news reports about Marie, and if they do exist, they are most likely buried in archives yet to be seen.
I’ll be reporting about many “Maries” — young, old, and in-between. There are thousands of cases of women whose missing person reports only include a name and a date late seen. Not even a photo. Wouldn’t you want someone to continue looking for and reporting about you?
At the time of her disappearance, Marie Wade stood 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 125 pounds. She had brown hair and brown eyes. It’s believed she was last seen wearing purple shorts and black sandals. Her middle name is “Simonia.” Marie’s dental records are available. She would be 55-years-old at the time of this publication.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (213) 896-1800 or missingpersons@lapd.lacity.org., Los Angeles Police Department- Adult Missing Persons Unit at (877) 275-5273, or their local authorities. The agency case number is 8313-03093.
Please share this story about Marie Wade to help reignite the investigation into her case. She is our sister and her life matters.
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You’d think with as many resources that are available nowadays at least something could be done. If it were my child I would never stop looking. The pain of not knowing would be unbareable. My heart goes out to the family and friends of these people.