Jamiesfeast – The mysterious vanishing of Loy Gillespie Evitts, a 29-year-old woman from Kansas City, Missouri, has left investigators baffled and her loved ones haunted for decades. On February 28, 1977, during her lunch break, Loy vanished without a trace, leaving behind a haunting enigma that has woven together strands of hope, despair, and the unwavering quest for resolution. This in-depth piece explores every facet of Loy’s life, the events surrounding her disappearance, and the ongoing investigation that tirelessly seeks answers in this enduring cold case.
Loy Gillespie Evitts, a woman full of life and potential, was born on December 12, 1947, in Coffeyville, Kansas. After completing her nursing studies in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she decided to pursue fashion merchandising at Kansas State University. Her world became even brighter when she married Donald Evitts on November 4, 1972. The couple made their home in Overland Park, Kansas, where Loy began working as a legal secretary at a law firm in Kansas City, Missouri. However, her time in this role was short-lived as she mysteriously disappeared after just a month.
On February 28, 1977, between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm, Loy engaged in a series of seemingly ordinary activities that would soon become shrouded in mystery. Taking a break from work, she used this time to adjust her watch. Afterwards, she leisurely explored the shops on the Country Club Plaza. Seeking a brief respite, she made a stop at a drugstore located on Main Street and Westport Road. Here, she enjoyed a cup of coffee and purchased an umbrella. However, what followed after this seemingly uneventful break would leave everyone puzzled. Instead of returning to work, Loy disappeared without a trace. The supervisor, growing concerned about her absence, decided to contact Loy’s husband, Donald, around 6:00 pm, thereby initiating a perplexing enigma.
During the initial investigation, it was discovered that Loy’s yellow 1970 MG sports car was parked in its usual spot in the Plaza Center Building parking garage. Surprisingly, the car was left unlocked, and Loy’s newly purchased umbrella was found on the front seat. Despite interviewing over 200 individuals and conducting searches in local bodies of water, no evidence or clues regarding Loy’s whereabouts were found.
Children discovered her purse under a bridge near Unity Village, southeast of Kansas City, twelve days after she went missing. However, this clue failed to provide any substantial leads. Approximately three weeks later, authorities arrested a 34-year-old man from Grandview, Missouri, on suspicion of abducting Loy. Unfortunately, he was released shortly after due to insufficient evidence.
In 2016, there was a major breakthrough when Donald Evitts handed over hair from his wife’s brushes to investigators. This allowed them to collect DNA samples, which were then added to a national database. This brought a ray of hope that if her remains were ever found, they could be accurately identified.
The current status and information surrounding the disappearance of Loy Gillespie Evitts remain a mystery to this day. Law enforcement considers her case to be suspicious and suspects that she may have been abducted. Despite extensive efforts, no significant leads have emerged, leading to the suspension of the investigation until new information arises. Donald, Loy’s husband, took the difficult step of legally declaring her dead seven years after her disappearance. He has chosen not to remarry and continues to reside in their shared home, holding onto the hope that answers will eventually be found.
The tale of Loy Gillespie Evitts serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional turmoil and relentless uncertainty that accompanies unresolved disappearances. This narrative highlights the delicate nature of life and the persistent longing for closure when faced with unexplained loss. With each passing year, the memory of Loy and the pursuit of truth continue to thrive, symbolizing the enduring optimism that one day, the enigma surrounding this case will be unveiled.