Disappearance of Union County woman from Honda plant nearing a quarter century

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) – Another year has passed since Patricia (Patti) Adkins disappeared, who was officially declared legally dead in what is now a 24-year-old cold case in central Ohio.

But the Columbus Division of Police and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers continue to ask for the public’s assistance in locating a Union County woman who has not been seen since 2001.

Adkins was last seen leaving the Honda of America Manufacturing plant in Marysville on June 29, 2001. For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

According to NBC News, Adkins was scheduled to take a trip to Canada with her boyfriend. But when she did not return to pick up her daughter, Adkins’ sister reported her missing on July 8.

Crime Stoppers say no one, including Adkins’ daughter and family members, has heard from her, with financial and personal records showing no activity since her disappearance.

NBC News said police have interviewed Adkins’ boyfriend, and he has denied having anything to do with her disappearance. The Union County Sheriff’s Office said the boyfriend remains the primary suspect, though little evidence has been connected to him.

According to the NBC News report, the investigation later revealed that Adkins had given her boyfriend roughly $90,000 in the months leading up to her disappearance.

Foul play is suspected, with courts declaring Adkins legally dead at 29 years of age, per Crime Stoppers. She would be 53 years old now, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate any and all leads.

"I don't have hope that my sister's alive," Patti’s sister Marcia told NBC4 in June 2016. "I knew when she didn't return that she was not alive, but I have hope that justice will happen, that someone will be held accountable for her death."

In 2022 Crime Stoppers issued a $25,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the discovery of Adkins. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.