Jovonna Stacey Crawford

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

The Charley Project

The Doe Network

NamUs