February 26, 2024 | By: Mallory Pace This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and the University of North Florida’s Applied Journalism class. Josephine Despard left her mother’s house in Olean, New York in 1984 and never returned. Her body has never been found. Her case remains cold and still haunts her siblings and daughter. Josephine was the oldest of seven siblings and mother of a six-year-old daughter, Lois, when she disappeared. Eileen Payne, Despard’s older sister, took custody of Lois and raised her in Ohio. Decades later the family is still searching for answers – even as their best leads are gone. Josephine left her mother’s home with a male acquaintance who told police that the two of them were going to trade stereo equipment at his residence. Instead, they went to the Olean Mall for a cup of coffee. He said Despard met with friends at the mall, and he left her there at 6 p.m. The male acquaintance last seen... Read More