Sykesville, PA – Pennsylvania State Police are renewing their investigation into the disappearance of Joey Lynn Offutt, offering a $5,000 cash reward for information that helps solve the nearly two-decade-old case.
According to Pennsylvania State Police Troop C, Offutt, 33, was last seen in July 2007 at her home in the 90 block of Fugate Drive in Sykesville, Armstrong County. At approximately 4 a.m. on July 12, neighbors were awakened by a loud explosion and discovered Offutt’s home engulfed in flames.
Firefighters later found the body of an infant in the bathtub. DNA testing confirmed the child was Offutt’s six-week-old son. Investigators determined the baby had died prior to the fire, which was intentionally set using an unspecified accelerant. The official cause of death could not be determined.
Authorities say Offutt was not inside the home when the fire began. Her purse and identification were found in the rubble, but there were no signs she was present during the blaze. Her two other children, ages two and nine, were not at the residence and are now in the care of relatives.
On July 15, 2007, Offutt’s vehicle — a 1994 Saturn with Virginia license plate JXN8871 — was found abandoned near the Nittany Gardens Apartments in State College, several hours from her home. Investigators noted the vehicle was backed neatly into a parking space, something loved ones said was uncharacteristic of Offutt.
Police believe Offutt met with foul play and is deceased. She was officially declared legally dead in June 2016 at her mother’s request.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Punxsutawney at 814-371-4652, PSP Tips at 1-800-472-8477, or submit tips online.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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