Police ask for help with 20-year-old missing persons case

WASHINGTON — Twenty years after a woman disappeared from Northeast D.C., police are asking for help with her cold case.

Gwendolyn Carswell was 44 years old when she went missing in 2004. Police say she had many friends and family and was a mother, and when she suddenly stopped communicating with her children, it was very out of character for her.

Carswell was last seen around 18th and Otis streets in Northeast around Aug. 17, 2004. 

DC Police say that the person or people responsible for her disappearance may live in or have ties to the District. They believe Carswell may have been targeted by someone who likely knew her. 

If you noticed odd behaviors in someone in the time around Carswell’s disappearance, that information may help police. Police say to think about anyone with changes in mood, lifestyle patterns or appearance, a sudden departure from the area after her disappearance; unreasonable explanations for disposing of a vehicle, clothing or injuries, or an unexplained focus on Carswell or her case followed by a sudden perceived lack of interest.

Anyone who may be hesitant to come forward, because they were involved unknowingly or because they worry for their safety, have relationships with people involved or did not realize their information was important, should report what they know, even if they think it is insignificant, police say. Anyone who reports information can remain anonymous, and police say it’s not too late to come forward.

Anyone who has information about the disappearance of Gwendolyn Carswell should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to 50411.