Karen Louise Wilson Has Been Missing Since 1985

On March 27, 1985, Karen Louise Wilson, a 22-year-old senior political science major at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany, vanished without a trace.

Last seen around 7:20 p.m. in Colonie, New York, Karen had been preparing for a spring break trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That day, she visited the Colonie Center, purchasing a red and blue t-shirt, and may have stopped at the Tanning Hut, though no one recalls seeing her there.

Carrying a gray cloth pocketbook, a blue nylon wallet, a green and white Ups N Downs bag, and possibly a blue knapsack with a yellow dress, she was last spotted in the 1600 block of Central Avenue.

Authorities believe Karen was likely walking south on Fuller Avenue toward SUNY Albany when she was abducted near Six-mile Waterworks, close to the Interstate 90 westbound ramp.

The night was dark, the road quiet, making it possible for someone to pull her into a vehicle unnoticed. A strange man was seen in the area, and a sketch of him remains part of the case, though he’s never been identified.

Her personal belongings have never been found.

Despite investigations, no solid leads have emerged. A possible suspect died in a 2013 house fire, but authorities found no direct link, noting he worked as usual hours after Karen’s disappearance.

Her case bears similarities to the 1998 disappearance of another SUNY Albany student, Suzanne Lyall, though no connection has been confirmed.

Karen’s family, based in Plattsburgh, New York, where her father served in the Air Force, continues to seek answers.

Karen was wearing faded blue Levi’s, a light blue Izod golf shirt, a cream-colored raincoat, white sneakers, and jewelry, including a gold ring with a blue stone.

The mystery of her fate lingers, a haunting reminder of unresolved loss.