Nearly Two Decades Later, State Police Continue Investigation into Missing Jefferson County Woman

SYKESVILLE, Pa. (EYT) — Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the disappearance of Joey Lynn Offutt, who has been missing since July 2007.

According to a recent release from Pennsylvania State Police, Troop C is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the resolution of the case.

Offutt, who was 33 years old at the time, was last seen on July 4, 2007, at her home in the 90 block of Fugate Drive in Sykesville, Jefferson County. Investigators said Offutt owned a red 1994 Saturn with a Virginia license plate number JXN8871, which had visible damage on the hood. Authorities believe the vehicle may have remained at the residence for several days after her disappearance.

At approximately 4:00 a.m. on July 12, 2007, neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion at Offutt’s residence. Fire crews later extinguished a blaze at the home, where the body of an infant was found in a bathtub. State police said DNA testing identified the infant as Offutt’s six-week-old son.

Investigators determined the infant had died prior to the fire and that the blaze had been intentionally set using an unspecified accelerant. Offutt was not located inside the residence, and police reported there was no sign she had been present when the fire started. Her purse and identification were later found in the rubble.

Offutt’s two other children, ages two and nine at the time, were not at the home during the fire and were later placed in the care of relatives.

On July 15, 2007, Offutt’s vehicle was found abandoned along Wapulani Drive in State College, near the Nittany Gardens Apartments, where she was believed to live. Authorities say several hours had passed between when the vehicle was parked and when it was discovered. There were no signs of a struggle at the scene, and no one reported seeing Offutt in the area. Police noted the vehicle was backed into the parking space, which they said was unusual based on statements from people who knew her.

State police believe Offutt may have met with foul play and is now deceased.

Investigators described Offutt as very trusting, naive, and religious. She had previously attended Shepherd University in West Virginia but left after approximately one year. Police say she struggled to maintain steady employment and relationships and had lived in multiple states, including Virginia and Texas. Authorities say Offutt had planned to marry the father of her baby before her disappearance.

Offutt was declared legally dead following a request filed by her mother in June of 2016.

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Joey Lynn Offutt is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police in Punxsutawney at 814-371-4652 or submit a tip through PSP Tips at 1-800-4PA-TIPS or online. All tips may be eligible for a cash reward and are not funded by taxpayer dollars.

The post Nearly Two Decades Later, State Police Continue Investigation into Missing Jefferson County Woman appeared first on exploreJefferson.