Image: Lamika circa, 1985
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: May 18, 1985
Missing From: Brooklyn, New York County, New York
Classification: Endangered Missing
Age: 12 years old
Height and Weight: 5’1″ and 90 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: African American female, Black hair, Brown eyes
NCMEC Number: 2039051
Details of Disappearance
Lamika was last seen with her mother, Barbara Heyward-Manners, at some point in 1985 by family. No one has seen Lamika or her mother since then.
On May 18th 1985, firefighters were called to respond to a fire happening in a wooded area off I-95 on the westbound side of the highway near Exit 18 in Westport, Connecticut. When they extinguished the blaze, they discovered the badly charred body of a woman. Forensic investigators determined she was an African American woman in her 20s who stood at 5’5″ and weighed between 120-130 pounds.
The woman was found to be the victim of a brutal homicide. She was killed by a head injury shortly before her assailant set her body on fire. Despite various attempts to identify her, the victim remained nameless for nearly forty years. In November of 2024, advanced DNA testing led authorities to Barbara’s relatives who told police they hadn’t heard from her since 1985.
Barbara was born in New York City on June 9th 1951, making her 34 years old when she was murdered. There were never any arrests or suspects named in her death which remains unsolved. Connecticut State Police are investigating both her homicide and Lamika’s disappearance. Her disappearance remains unsolved and she’s missing under unclear circumstances.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Connecticut State Police 860-626-7975
Source Information
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
International Missing Persons Wiki
The Hartford Courant 05/20/1985
The Hartford Courant 05/21/1985
The Hartford Courant 05/27/1985