The person at the center of this case
John V.J. Joyce
Missing Person · Open - Unsolved
44 years waiting · since 1982
Missing Person: John V.J. Joyce
Justice for John V.J. Joyce — the trail went cold in 1982, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🔍
evidence
Lead #1Why was the vehicle's ignition torn apart and interior ransacked? Does this indicate theft, struggle, or forced entry?
🎯
suspect
Lead #2Who had knowledge of the $22,000 debt collection trip and could have targeted the men?
⏰
timeline
Lead #3What happened between the men leaving Worcester on 9/13 and the vehicle being found at Bangor Mall on 9/14?
John V.J. Joyce, 33, disappeared on September 13, 1982, while traveling from Worcester, Massachusetts to Alton, Maine with William Garlick to collect a $22,000 debt. Their black 1980 Corvette was found abandoned and ransacked at Bangor Mall in Maine the next day, with Garlick's wallet inside, but neither man has been located in over four decades. The circumstances suggest foul play, and investigators seek information about what happened to both men during their journey or at the mall.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
📍
location
Lead #4Were there any witnesses at Bangor Mall or along the route who saw the Corvette or the two men?
💡
clue
Lead #5Why was only William Garlick's wallet found in the vehicle? Where are both men and what became of them?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP19728. Missing person: John V.J.
Joyce. Last known contact: 1982-09-13 in Princeton, Worcester, MA.
Circumstances: William Garlick (NamUs MP 19727) and John Joyce left Worcester, MA on 9/13/1982 enroute to Alton, Maine to collect a $22,000 debt. They were operating a black 1980 Corvette with Massachusetts registration 512-EVZ.
The Corvette was found in the parking lot of the Bangor Mall in Bangor, Maine on 9/14/1982. The ignition was torn apart as well as the interior of the vehicle.
A man's wallet, belonging to William Garlick was found on the seat of the vehicle. John Joyce and William Garlick have not been seen since.
Demographics: 33 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 10 in, 185 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Blue.
Investigating agency: Maine State Police - Troop E | LC-82-04999.
Timeline of Events
👁️
1982-09-13
Last Known Contact
John Joyce and William Garlick depart Worcester, MA in black 1980 Corvette (MA registration 512-EVZ) en route to Alton, Maine to collect $22,000 debt
🔍
1982-09-14
Vehicle Found
Black 1980 Corvette discovered in Bangor Mall parking lot with ignition torn apart, interior ransacked, and William Garlick's wallet on the seat
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 13, 1982
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2079733700
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Case Information
Incident:September 13, 1982
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2079733700
You can remain anonymous