Utah Department of Public Safety

Linda Sue PETERSON

Linda Sue Peterson was reported missing by her husband, William “Phil” Peterson on September 30, 1978. Phil reported to Murray Police Linda had stopped by his work, Grand Central located at 750 East 2100 South, on September 16, 1978.

Phil was working at this location as a pharmacist; Phil stated that Linda had entered through the back employee doors to speak with him. Phil stated that Linda planned a last-minute trip to Kentucky with two “girlfriends”. Phil stated that he did not know the females but believes one of their names was Susan. Phil stated that he provided Linda with $300 in cash (2025 currency $1,500) and noted that Linda had her master card with her. It was reported that Linda left in a station wagon of an unknown color and unknown plate number. The credit card was never used after Linda’s disappearance. Phil passed away in 2013; only limited statements from Phil are available. 

At the time Linda went missing she was 5 1/2 months pregnant. Due to other miscarriages that Linda had suffered she had put herself on bedrest. Linda’s mother, Irene, reported that the week Linda went missing she was sending Linda furniture, and that Linda would have not left town when such a large delivery was going to be made. Irene stated that she was in weekly contact with Linda and that is was completely out of character for Linda to stop communicating with Irene. Irene passed away a few years later without ever having contact from Linda again. 

Detectives later discovered that Linda had lived in Kentucky, years prior to her going missing, and that she had only lived there for about four months. Linda no longer had friends in the area and there was no reason for Linda to visit Kentucky. There isn’t any supporting evidence that Linda left the state of Utah. It should also be noted that the two females Linda was reported to be with were never reported missing or identified. 

Linda has living family members that are still actively searching for her. Due to Linda being adopted at birth it wasn’t until 2025 that family DNA could be collected.

Please contact the Murray City Police Department/Det. Gruendell at (801) 264-2673 with any information regarding Linda.

NamUs – https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/MP1380

The Charley Project – https://charleyproject.org/case/linda-hanoian-peterson

The Doe Network – https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/2290dfut.html

 

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