Flahive cold case investigation could be connected to killer Barr

WINK News learned from a neighbor that Philip Barr, who was convicted of murder in 2015 for killing a teen in 2001, used to live near the search area for another investigation.

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is now looking into the murder of Christine Flahive, 42, who was reported missing by her father on January 5, 1995. Originally, it was a missing person case.

Members of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case and Major Crimes Unit are working with the Peace River K-9 Search and Rescue Association after new information was provided in regards to a missing persons case from 1995.

Cadaver dog search teams are searching a heavily wooded area south of Henry Street and east of Rollins Street near the area of Education Avenue in Punta Gorda.

This area is behind the Charlotte Behavioral Health Care on Education Avenue.

The search is the result of information recently obtained by the Cold Case Unit concerning very suspicious circumstances involving Flahive.

Deputies determined that around the time Flahive was reported missing she was at a residence near the area currently being searched.

Peace River K-9 Search and Rescue is expected to be on the scene throughout the entire weekend with about a dozen k-9’s and 20 people to search the 20-acre heavily wooded area.

Missing Person Cold Case Becomes Murder Investigation