New witness leads detectives to suspect a killer is on the loose

For 24-years, Christine Flahive’s disappearance in Punta Gorda has been a dark, unanswered question.

But now, just days after the anniversary of her disappearance, detectives said they have a new witness with information about what happened to the young mother.

The information leads them to consider the missing person case to be a homicide.

Christine was last seen on Jan. 4 1995. Detectives said she went to her father’s house for a visit. Shortly after that, he dropped her off at her home, which is a couple of blocks from downtown Punta Gorda.

A detective said they believe she was heading downtown to a bar she often frequented. It has since changed names and owners.

Despite the best efforts of her family and law enforcement, Christine was never seen again after that night.

Her father has since passed away and her daughter relocated to New York. But the mystery remains in this small town. Detectives said, there is a good chance her killer is still here, too.

Now, detectives are asking for your help, to bring justice more than two decades later. They believe locals may have the answers they need.

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If you have any information about Christine Flahive or what happened to her, call the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 639-2101. Alternatively, you can call SWFL CrimeStoppers.