Louisiana Woman Vanished 34 Years Ago — Police Still Searching for Answers

(Lafayette, LA) - Lafayette Police Department and Acadia Parish Sheriff's officials are working to solve the 34-year-old cold case of Donna Marie Gonzales, who has not been seen or heard from since the mid-afternoon of April 7, 1992.

It's terrifying to think that your loved one just disappeared, and despite diligent work, officials cannot give you the answers you long for.

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Law Enforcement Renewing the Search for Missing Woman Donna Marie Gonzales

Both the Lafayette Police Department and the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office are renewing their efforts to help solve this cold case. Gonzales was living in Lafayette, and she was selling insurance door-to-door in Rayne the last time anyone ever saw her.

Those working the case at the time said that multiple people saw Gonzales while she was visiting businesses in the area, and trying to sell cancer insurance policies. The last time anyone saw her was around 3 p.m.

Police Found the Missing Woman's Car in Rayne 

Officials are still working on the case, trying to determine what happened to the woman. No evidence was found at the scene where her car was parked, and her purse, which included her driver's license, was locked in the trunk. It was parked in the Gabriel's Alley area of Rayne.

Investigators say they did determine that her well-worn brown briefcase, which she had been seen carrying in the days leading to her disappearance, was not in her mother's 1982 blue Pontiac Bonneville.

The car was found parked behind area businesses in an area known as "Devil's Alley," which is right near South Adams Street in Rayne.

READ MORE: LOUISIANA FAMILY CONTINUES HEARTBREAKING SEARCH FOR MISSING LOVED ONE

Information about Missing Louisiana Woman Donna Marie Gozales

Gonzales was 27 years old when she disappeared; she would be 61 now. According to various articles in the Lafayette Daily Advertiser, following her disappearance, she was questioning her life in reference to religion and her relationships with one of her roommates, even encouraging her to leave everyone behind and start over fresh.

Before coming home to Louisiana, Gonzales had lived for a couple of years with the Trappistine Sisters in Iowa, and she had considered joining the order. Instead, the woman moved home to Louisiana, ultimately sharing an apartment with roommates in Lafayette.

The Lafayette Police Department, along with the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office, is asking anyone who might have even the tiniest piece of information, even if they don't think it is significant, to call them. They continue to diligently work on this case.

Police Want People to Come Forward with Information about Missing Woman Donna Marie Gonzales

They are asking people to consider the following in connection to this case:

• Saw Donna Gonzales on or around April 7, 1992, in the Rayne area
• Had contact with her through her insurance work
• Observed suspicious activity in the Gabriel’s Alley / South Adams Avenue / U.S. Highway 90 area
• Has knowledge of her movements, associates, or any circumstances surrounding her disappearance

How to Contact Authorities If You Have Information about Donna Marie Gonzales

The Lafayette Police Department's number is 337-291-7105.

The number for the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office is 337-788-8700.

Anonymous tips can be given by contacting Lafayette Crime Stoppers at 337-232-TIPS (8477), or Acadia Crime Stoppers at 337-789-TIPS (8477).

Anonymous information can also be given to officials by downloading and using the P3 app on any mobile device.