SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A woman whose body was found in a Central Florida lake almost 55 years ago has finally been identified.
The woman, who was known as “Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee” since she was found in the lake in 1971, has been identified as Maureen L. Minor Rowan, also known as Cookie, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday.
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Rowan’s estranged husband, Charles Emery Rowan Sr., also known as Emery, is a person of interest in her death, deputies said.
The couple had ties to Jacksonville, as well as Tampa, Gainesville, and Enigma, Ga., according to the SCSO.
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New fingerprint technology helped identify the 21-year-old mom of two as the victim.
“To Cookie’s family: Cookie has never been forgotten. I hope this gets you closer to finding the closure you need, and helps provide some answers that you never had,” Sumter Sheriff Pat Breeden said
Anyone who knew Cookie or Emery is asked to contact SCSO on their tip line at 352-569-1915 or email sumtertips@sumtercountysheriff.org. For those who wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for an award, call Crime Line at 1-800-423-TIPS.
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