A submerged vehicle recently discovered in a Georgia pond may hold the key to a four-decade-old mystery involving a wealthy couple from Scarsdale, New York. Charles and Catharine Romer, who were known for their annual migration to Florida during the winter months, disappeared without a trace in April 1980. Their disappearance triggered one of the most extensive search operations in the history of the state.
The Romers, who spent most of the year in the affluent Westchester County, were last seen during their return journey from Florida, a tradition they had maintained since their marriage in the mid-1970s. After checking into a hotel and leaving their belongings, the couple went for a drive and were never seen or heard from again.
Glynn County police have now revealed that divers found a car in a pond that matches the description of the 1979 Lincoln Continental the couple was known to use. The pond is located between an interstate and the hotel where the Romers had checked in shortly before their disappearance on April 8, 1980. The retired oil executive, 74, and his second wife, 76, were the registered owners of the vehicle.
Authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the remains found in the car. The pond is currently being drained, and special equipment is being used to facilitate a comprehensive investigation by the Glynn County Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Two days before their disappearance, Charles Romer had informed one of his sons about their travel plans. Upon reaching the Holiday Inn, the couple registered, unpacked some items, and then left the premises. A hotel worker reported that three days after their check-in, their room appeared unoccupied, with the bed untouched and personal items, including glasses and a bottle of scotch, left behind.
The Romers’ disappearance led to one of the largest search operations in southern Georgia, with assistance from the FBI. Catharine Romer, who was reportedly wearing jewelry valued between $60,000 and $80,000 at the time of her disappearance, had a net worth of approximately $1 million.
Charles Romer, a former executive at Sinclair Oil, was declared dead in 1985 by a Westchester surrogate, leaving behind an inheritance of $1.2 million. His son, Charles Romer Jr., expressed his determination to uncover the truth behind his father and stepmother’s mysterious disappearance, vowing to never give up on the case.