Victoria Patterson was a beloved daughter and friend whose life was taken far too soon.

She reportedly enjoyed visiting small, local bars, and, according to her mother, Victoria seemingly lived with the mindset that she was invincible. Victoria was known to hitchhike frequently, and has been characterized as a very trusting person, possibly to a fault.

“She never met a stranger - she was very trusting. I sometimes thought Vicky thought she was invincible. She just didn't have any fear of people.” - Jean Boyink, Victoria’s mother.

Victoria vanishes on an unknown date.

Though the exact date that Victoria disappeared is unknown, it is believed that she was last seen alive on September 29, 1993. When her mother realized that she was unable to reach Victoria, she reported her missing on October 14, 1993.

“The day I called the police, I had the strangest feeling come over me, like I knew something had happened to her, something bad had happened to her.'' - Jean Boyink, Victoria’s mother.

18-months later, Victoria’s body is found.

Victoria’s body was found on March 10, 1995 in a shallow grave in the clay pits off of Highway 390 in Panama City on March 10, 1995. The only clues found with her body was a piece of rope used to bind her. This type of rope is commonly used for boat rigging, and has blue shrinkwrap on the ends to prevent fraying. Both the rope and the shrinkwrap were bought in Bay County.

In a letter written to Victoria’s killer, Jean, Victoria’s mother, writes the following:

“You killed her in a hideous, horrible fashion - Did you get a thrill at her cries for help? Did you get a thrill from the fear in her eyes? Did you get a thrill from when she took her last breath?! Did you get a thrill when you covered her with God’s good Earth?”

Where the case stands today.

Today, it’s been nearly 29 years since Victoria’s disappearance, and more than 27 years since her remains were located. If you have any information regarding Victoria’s case, please contact Panhandle Crime Stoppers at (850) 785-TIPS (8477).