CHARLOTTE COUNTY – A missing persons case in Charlotte County goes cold for 24 years. Now, a new tip leads detectives trying to crack a murder investigation, prompting the Sheriff’s Office to double their efforts in trying to find the remains of then 42-year-old Christine Flahive.
The tip took detectives to a wooded area in Punta Gorda where the victim was last seen, less than a mile from Charlotte County High School. The Charlotte County cold case unit is using almost two dozen cadaver dogs while looking through 12 acres of dense woods off Education Avenue.
The last time family saw the 42-year-old was when she left home on her bike on January 4, 1995. A new tip says Flahive was last seen near a home in these Punta Gorda woods.
Investigators are hoping search dogs can find a grave site or help lead them elsewhere. Flahive’s disappearance is being investigated as a homicide. CCSO confirms it does have suspects in this case.
CCSO says it has notified Flahive’s daughter and other relatives. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who knew Christine Flahive or with any more information to come forward and can call Crimestoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
