Sunday is the 25th anniversary of the disappearance of Ann Gotlib. She was a Louisville 12-year-
old who disappeared somewhere between a shopping mall and her home. This week, I interviewed Lucy Lee with the Exploited Children’s Help Organizationin Louisville about a memorial ceremony they’re having this weekend. As I talked to her about the case of Ann Gotlib – who is sometimes referred to as Anna Gotlib – I was struck by the fact that they are still actively looking for clues to solve this case.Lee says the community was reeling in 1983 from the disappearance of the freckle-faced little girl from a family of Russian immigrants. I was about nine months old at the time and living in central Kentucky, so I don’t remember this case. But my few years of experience in Louisville leaves me with no doubt that the community did rally to the side of the Gotlibs, but Ann was never found. In fact, very few clues were ever found.While speaking with Ms. Lee, I noticed how convinced and hopeful she sounded that someone’s 25-year-old memories could play a role in cracking this case. And then as I researched the case more, I found age-progression photos of what Ann might look like today.
Do you remember the disappearance of Ann Gotlib and/or the community response to the case? You can share your memories or theories on the case in our comments section.You can also hear my interview with Lucy Lee during Studio 619, Sunday morning at ten.
