Forest County, PA – A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that helps solve the decades-old disappearance of Jennings Lee Hart, a Marienville man who vanished under suspicious circumstances in January 1980.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police Troop C – Marienville Station, Hart, who was 50 years old at the time, was last seen after 3 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 1980. Investigators say Hart stopped at a gas station in Marienville, where he purchased gasoline for his vehicle. That was the last confirmed sighting of him.
State police were later contacted and went to Hart’s home, located in a heavily wooded area along Route 899, south of Marienville. Inside the garage, troopers found Hart’s car parked. His car keys were located inside the house, and loose coins were discovered scattered in the driveway — details that immediately raised concerns for investigators.
Initially, authorities believed Hart may have become lost in the surrounding woods while walking his dogs. However, police later learned that Hart had recently sold the dogs, casting doubt on that theory.
A large search effort was organized the weekend following his disappearance. Volunteers conducted extensive foot searches in the wooded terrain around Hart’s property, but no trace of him was found. Bloodhounds were also deployed, but they were unable to pick up a scent.
More than 45 years later, state police say foul play is strongly suspected. Hart’s body has never been recovered, and the case remains unsolved.
Hart was born on September 5, 1929. Investigators believe someone may still have information that could finally bring answers to his family.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police at Marienville at 814-927-5253, PSP Tips toll-free at 1-800-472-8477, or submit a tip online at p3tips.com. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
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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