Overview

Date Last Seen: November 4, 1971
Last Seen Location: Archie’s Tavern, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Main Points

The case remains an active unsolved missing person investigation.

Lynda Joan Hanley, 23, disappeared after receiving a phone call while at Archie’s Tavern.

Witnesses reported she immediately left the tavern after the call.

Three days later, her vehicle was found abandoned at the Holiday Inn in South Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Despite decades of investigation, no confirmed sightings or arrests have been made.

Detailed Case Breakdown

Lynda Joan Hanley Disappearance: 1971 Rhode Island Cold Case Remains Unsolved More Than Five Decades Later

Brief Summary

Date Last Seen: November 4, 1971
Last Seen Location: Archie’s Tavern, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Main Points

1. Lynda Joan Hanley, 23, disappeared after receiving a phone call while at Archie’s Tavern.
2. Witnesses reported she immediately left the tavern after the call.
3. Three days later, her vehicle was found abandoned at the Holiday Inn in South Attleboro, Massachusetts.
4. Despite decades of investigation, no confirmed sightings or arrests have been made.
5. The case remains an active unsolved missing person investigation.

Lynda Joan Hanley Disappearance

On the evening of November 4, 1971, 23-year-old Lynda Joan Hanley vanished under circumstances that have puzzled investigators for more than fifty years. What began as an ordinary evening at a neighborhood tavern quickly turned into one of Rhode Island’s enduring cold cases.

Hanley was last seen at Archie’s Tavern in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where witnesses said she received a telephone call from an unidentified man. After the conversation, she abruptly left the establishment. She has never been seen or heard from again.

Three days after her disappearance, Hanley’s husband located her vehicle abandoned in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn in South Attleboro, Massachusetts, less than ten miles from where she was last seen. Publicly released information has never explained why the vehicle was there or whether investigators discovered any evidence inside that could identify the person who contacted her that evening.

Originally from Lincoln, Rhode Island, Hanley graduated from Lincoln High School, where she participated in the school newspaper, drama club, and art club. Friends described her as well-liked, and records indicate she hoped to become a registered nurse.

At the time she disappeared, Hanley was described as standing approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing about 120 pounds, with light brown hair and blue eyes. She had a scar on her left arm, pierced ears, and may have used the spelling “Linda” instead of Lynda. She was reportedly wearing a brown leather coat and white boots when last seen.

Investigation

The disappearance has remained unsolved despite the passage of more than five decades. Authorities have never publicly identified the man who telephoned Hanley before she disappeared, nor have they publicly announced any suspects or persons of interest.

Her case remains classified as an Endangered Missing investigation and continues to be handled by the Lincoln Police Department. Modern missing person databases include her profile in hopes that advances in forensic science or new witness information could eventually provide answers.

Latest Investigation Information

As of the most recent publicly available information, Hanley’s disappearance remains an active unsolved case. There have been no publicly announced arrests, identified suspects, or confirmed breakthroughs. Her profile continues to be maintained in national missing person databases, allowing investigators to compare her information with unidentified remains and evaluate new leads as they emerge.

Anyone with information about Lynda Joan Hanley’s disappearance is encouraged to contact the investigating agency.