Missing Since: 1984-02-07 Location: Olean, New York
Despard was last seen in Olean, New York on February 7, 1984. She was separated from her husband and living with her mother and her six-year-old daughter on north Clinton Street, taking classes at Jamestown Community College. Her husband was in California. On the day of her disappearance, at 5:00 p.m., Despard left her mother’s home with a male acquaintance, Dale Vereecken. They were going to his residence to swap stereo components. Vereecken said they didn’t go there after all; instead, they went to the Olean Mall for a cup of coffee. He said Despard met with friends at the mall and he left her there at 6:00 p.m. Vereecken was considered a person of interest in her disappearance for some months afterward. After her disappearance he tried to leave the country, but was stopped at the Canadian border, charged with parole violation and drug possession, and returned to the United States. He died by suicide later in 1984, and his mother also took her life a few years later. Vereecken is still considered a strong person of interest in Despard’s disappearance. His identity wasn’t publicly released until 2018, 34 years after she vanished. He and Despard were friends but were not romantically involved with each other. Despard’s loved ones don’t believe she left of her own accord. She was fighting with her husband for custody of their daughter, and her family doesn’t believe she would have missed her court date. She is the oldest of seven children and was close to her relatives, especially her mother. Her sister adopted and raised Despard’s daughter after her disappearance, and her husband has remarried. Despard’s disappearance remains unsolved and foul play is suspected. Investigating Agency Olean Police Department 716-376-5678 Source Information The Doe Network Unsolved in the News The Olean Times Herald NamUs WGRZ 2 The Buffalo News WIVB 4 Updated 5 times since October 12, 2004. Last updated April 3, 2018; details of disappearance updated.