Left: Jovanna circa, 1981
Right: Age Progressed to age 38
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: June 5, 1981
Missing From: Bridgeport, Farfield County, Connecticut
Classification: Non-Family Abduction
Date Of Birth: August 29, 1979
Age: 1 year old
Height and Weight: 2’1″ and 30 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: African American Female, Black hair, Brown eyes, Jovonna’s ears are pierced
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A blue/white jumpsuit
NCMEC Number: 600865
Details of Disappearance
Jovanna was last seen in Bridgeport, Connecticut on June 5th 1981. Jovanna’s mother’s live in boyfriend, Ronald Garrett, was watching her at the time in their home. The residence was located at the P. T. Barnum Housing Project in the 80 block of Taylor Drive. Jovanna’s grandmother asked Garrett to bring Jovanna to her residence. She also lived in the Housing Project at the time.
According to Ronald, an Unidentified juvenile boy arrived at the home at approximately 10:20 am that day. He stated that Jovonna’s grandmother sent him to retrieve her. The boy was described as being 10 to 11 years old, African American, and had small braids in his hair. He gave the child to the boy after he noted that the boy looked like a neighborhood child. Jovonna was never seen again.
Apparently, the child’s grandmother, Mary Moales, never sent anyone to get Jovanna. Garrett was arrested and charged with felony risk of injury to a minor since he gave the girl to the boy. He was convicted and sentenced to one year in prison.
Her grandparents and great grandparents occasionally babysat the child. There’s no evidence to suggest that this juvenile that apparently took Jovanna exists but Garrett has never changed his story of events and maintains he has no involvement in Jovanna’s disappearance.
Jovanna’s case remains unsolved and foul play is suspected. She lived with her brother and mother at the time of her disappearance.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Bridgeport Police Department 203-576-7671
Source Information
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children