In this episode of Hunting 4 Answers: In June 1976, 20-year-old JoAnn “Vicky” Smith left her family’s home in Lincoln Heights, Ohio, and never returned. Nearly four months later, hundreds of miles away in rural Illinois, the discovery of an unidentified young woman opened another mystery. For nearly 48 years, no one realized the two stories were connected. A breakthrough in 2024 finally revealed the connection, but it solved only half the mystery. The months after JoAnn left home remain unexplained, and no arrest has been announced in her case.

Anyone with information should contact the Grundy County Coroner’s Office Deputy Chief Brandon J. Johnson at 815-941-3359 or email at bjohnson@grundyco.org. 

This is the story of JoAnn “Vicky” Smith.