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 an attempted theft or a sign of struggle?
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evidence
Lead #2How did William Garlick's wallet end up on the seat of the vehicle? What does this suggest about the circumstances of their disappearance?
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clue
Lead #3What was the nature of the $22,000 debt they were collecting in Alton, Maine? Could this be connected to their disappearance?
John V.J. Joyce and William Garlick left Worcester, Massachusetts on September 13, 1982, driving a black 1980 Corvette to collect a $22,000 debt in Alton, Maine. The vehicle was discovered abandoned in the Bangor Mall parking lot the next day with signs of forced entry and Garlick's wallet inside, but neither man has been found. Over four decades later, the circumstances of their disappearance remain a mystery, and investigators continue seeking information about what happened to these two men.
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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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witness
Lead #4Did anyone see the Corvette arrive at Bangor Mall or observe the two men between leaving Worcester and the vehicle's discovery?
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
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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 (MA registration 512-EVZ) en route to Alton, Maine to collect a $22,000 debt.
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1982-09-14
Corvette found abandoned
The black 1980 Corvette was discovered in the Bangor Mall parking lot in Bangor, Maine. The ignition was torn apart, the interior was damaged, and William Garlick's wallet was found on the seat.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 13, 1982
Last Updated:June 5, 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:June 5, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2079733700
You can remain anonymous