The person at the center of this case
John V.J. Joyce
Missing Person · Open
43 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
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vehicle
Lead #1Why was the 1980 Corvette's ignition torn apart and interior damaged? Was this done to steal the vehicle or to conceal evidence?
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suspect
Lead #2Who had knowledge of the $22,000 debt collection trip and could have targeted the two men?
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location
Lead #3What was the specific location in Alton, Maine they were traveling to, and did they arrive or make contact with anyone there?
John V.J. Joyce and William Garlick left Worcester, Massachusetts on September 13, 1982, in a black 1980 Corvette to collect a $22,000 debt in Alton, Maine. The vehicle was discovered abandoned at Bangor Mall in Maine the next day with signs of forced entry and Garlick's wallet inside, but the two men have never been found. Their disappearance remains unsolved, and investigators seek information about what happened during their journey or at their intended destination.
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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.
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evidence
Lead #4Were there any witnesses at Bangor Mall who saw the vehicle being abandoned or saw the two men?
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timeline
Lead #5What is the exact timeline between their departure from Worcester and the vehicle discovery at Bangor Mall?
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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
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1982-09-13
Joyce and Garlick depart Worcester
John Joyce and William Garlick left Worcester, MA in a black 1980 Corvette (Massachusetts registration 512-EVZ) to collect a $22,000 debt in Alton, Maine.
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1982-09-14
Corvette found at Bangor Mall
The black 1980 Corvette was discovered in the parking lot of Bangor Mall in Bangor, Maine. The ignition was torn apart, interior was damaged, and William Garlick's wallet was found on the vehicle seat.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 13, 1982
Last Updated:May 20, 2026
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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:May 20, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2079733700
You can remain anonymous