Found Deceased FL - Stephanie Chitwood Hollingsworth, 50, Belle Isle, 25 Sept 2020

[Black eyed pea]

FL - Stephanie Chitwood Hollingsworth, Belle Isle, 25Sept 2020 *MEDIA,MAPS,TIMELINE NO DISCUSSION*
I have set up a media thread for her - (asked a mod to fix my title as I left off the S)

Thank you for posting.

 

[MoeInVA]

New article with more info - worth the read!
Where Is Stephanie Hollingsworth? Mom of 3 Has Battled Demons, But Vanishing Is Out of the Norm, Husband Says
two bits:
“Grimm said he is using all local agencies, tracking down all video footage that is available, he has teams searching wooded areas as well as bodies of water, and aviation units and civilian drone pilots to assist in the search.”

“He said their two youngest were in school the day she disappeared, but said their oldest son was home from college and taking classes remotely. The family didn't have any special plans that da, and he and his son hadn't realized exactly when she left the house, but believe it may have been around 1-1:30 p.m., he said.”

 

[Black eyed pea]

WE used that app when Barbara Thomas went missing - the husband has / had a plane.

Oddly no, and the local media is not doing much either. As I have mentioned, I would like to know if there is ring/video of her street - it's in an area where there are houses so there should be- I may check the orange court website this afternoon.

JMO

WE used that app when Barbara Thomas went missing - the husband has / had a plane.

Oddly no, and the local media is not doing much either. As I have mentioned, I would like to know if there is ring/video of her street - it's in an area where there are houses so there should be- I may check the orange court website this afternoon.

JMO

Hi Oviedo - Yes, these days a lot of people have a ring camera and the Belle Isle area of Orlando has a lot of nice homes so I would guess that that they could get a lot of video footage there from Ring/Security cameras. Does this remind you of the Kelsey Berreth case with the video footage of her in a store?

 

[oviedo]

Hi Oviedo - Yes, these days a lot of people have a ring camera and the Belle Isle area of Orlando has a lot of nice homes so I would guess that that they could get a lot of video footage there from Ring/Security cameras. Does this remind you of the Kelsey Berreth case with the video footage of her in a store?

It is reminding me of poor Kelsey in more ways than I would like
JMO
I’ve added the latest to her media thread

 

[Black eyed pea]

New article with more info - worth the read!
Where Is Stephanie Hollingsworth? Mom of 3 Has Battled Demons, But Vanishing Is Out of the Norm, Husband Says
two bits:
“Grimm said he is using all local agencies, tracking down all video footage that is available, he has teams searching wooded areas as well as bodies of water, and aviation units and civilian drone pilots to assist in the search.”

“He said their two youngest were in school the day she disappeared, but said their oldest son was home from college and taking classes remotely. The family didn't have any special plans that da, and he and his son hadn't realized exactly when she left the house, but believe it may have been around 1-1:30 p.m., he said.”

Thank you for sharing. I read the article and three things stand out to me about this and Stephanie who looks healthy and fit in all of her pictures. 1. Why does her husband keep talking about her 'supposedly' having an issue with alcohol, anxiety? I find it odd that he keeps pointing that out and I don't think it is relevant right now for the search. JMOO. We haven't heard the rest of her family/friends confirm or deny these issues. 2. In one interview with WESH TV Scott states about where she drank the vodka, "She probably bought that and went and sat in a parking lot either right here, or near home, or somewhere very close to here, and that's why we think she was in a very vulnerable position and that's why we're asking everybody to continue to help, to help with our search." Why would he focus on that area? If she did drink the vodka in her car in the parking lot, was vulnerable and someone took her they would have taken her away from that area. In the Kelsey Berreth case, her ex finance tried to lead investigators and her family to believe that she was in Idaho in an effort to keep them off the trail of searching her townhome, his land, etc. JMOO. 3. In the article you posted, he mentions her light colored LV bag and that she had that with her. He also said he didn't know what time she left home so how does he know she had the purse with her? The LV purse isn't in the video from what I can see. Just trying to make sense of this and praying that this beautiful soul this found safe and sound.
WESH TV Interview:
Florida mother vanished after buying vodka at Walmart

 

[Hair of the Dog]

When Stephanie's husband speculates about where she might have gone and what she may have done after stopping at Walmart, it probably comes from past experience. It sounds like she has battled alcoholism for a long time and he knows how drinking may affect her behavior and he fears for her safety. She may have hidden her drinking in the past from her family by parking in an out of the way spot. IMO this lovely soul has come to a tragic end as the result of an accident, my heart goes out to Stephanie and her family.

MOO

 

[CluelessWonder]

Anyone local want to tag team it this weekend and check out a few places? I have a three-day weekend and somehow managed to get all of my to do list cleared off.

 

[MoeInVA]

Anyone local want to tag team it this weekend and check out a few places? I have a three-day weekend and somehow managed to get all of my to do list cleared off.

Not local but suggest meeting up at the family search HQ where her brother is tracking what’s been searched or not. In RV at Walmart parking lot.

 

[CluelessWonder]

I've been following this case for a week. When I first saw the bank transaction, I suspected that she needed money for the toll road, which is just to the south. I changed my mind when I saw that she bought some liquor.

Once every few weeks, a driver will end up in water. There are small drainage lakes all over since most of the land is drained swamp. When they build highways, they always have to push water into a drainage area. So there are a lot of these things near major roads. And most people who end up in the water do so while entering or exiting a four-lane highway.

The vehicles usually are spotted. But a gap of 20-30 seconds in the traffic can make it so that a car can roll off into the water without being noticed.

Recently, we have had a fair amount of rain. So the drainage lakes are probably higher than normal. But many of them are shallow enough that one would notice the top of a truck. I'm sure there are some spots that are deeper than others. Some of these drainage areas are surrounded by fencing of some kind.

Looking at a map and thinking about the area, I would think that most people who are just driving around between home and shopping would stay in an area bounded by Orange Avenue to the west and Sand Lake Road to the south. There are fewer major roads to the north and east. But those areas would have taken her further from home rather than back toward it. And I get the impression that this was just a pit stop. I don't think self-harm in this case because she bothered to cover up her liquor purchase. Of course, she could have made the decision after drinking.

Their home is midway between the Walmart and the school her kids attend. It's on Orange Avenue where it intersects with Oak Ridge Road. They live in Belle Isle. This is an area with expensive homes. Most back up to water, and many people have docks and boats. There aren't many spots in that area where the road comes close to the water. But there are a few, and they all have some sort of railing.

The school releases students at 2:45. They do not have buses. So students must be taken home in private vehicles. It's possible that one her boys has a car and drives to the school. But it's also possible that she is responsible for getting the boys from school. If she was getting the kids, she likely wasn't planning to get black-out drunk or anything.

The last report I saw said her car was spotted going north from the Walmart area. If she was headed back toward home or to the school, she could have taken Hoffner. That would make sense. If she just wanted to be alone, she likely would have chosen to go south instead of north. There is a lot of open space around the airport and traffic is lighter. But it doesn't appear that she went that direction.

Still, I think it's worth checking any water near McCoy Road. Tradeport Drive and a little park south of that area. The park happens to be where I think she might have had one or more sons playing baseball in the past. It's usually pretty empty and would be an easy, short drive from Walmart for a person who wants to be alone.

That's all I have at the moment. I may think of some more stuff.

 

[MoeInVA]

I've been following this case for a week. When I first saw the bank transaction, I suspected that she needed money for the toll road, which is just to the south. I changed my mind when I saw that she bought some liquor.

Once every few weeks, a driver will end up in water. There are small drainage lakes all over since most of the land is drained swamp. When they build highways, they always have to push water into a drainage area. So there are a lot of these things near major roads. And most people who end up in the water do so while entering or exiting a four-lane highway.

The vehicles usually are spotted. But a gap of 20-30 seconds in the traffic can make it so that a car can roll off into the water without being noticed.

Recently, we have had a fair amount of rain. So the drainage lakes are probably higher than normal. But many of them are shallow enough that one would notice the top of a truck. I'm sure there are some spots that are deeper than others. Some of these drainage areas are surrounded by fencing of some kind.

Looking at a map and thinking about the area, I would think that most people who are just driving around between home and shopping would stay in an area bounded by Orange Avenue to the west and Sand Lake Road to the south. There are fewer major roads to the north and east. But those areas would have taken her further from home rather than back toward it. And I get the impression that this was just a pit stop. I don't think self-harm in this case because she bothered to cover up her liquor purchase. Of course, she could have made the decision after drinking.

Their home is midway between the Walmart and the school her kids attend. It's on Orange Avenue where it intersects with Oak Ridge Road. They live in Belle Isle. This is an area with expensive homes. Most back up to water, and many people have docks and boats. There aren't many spots in that area where the road comes close to the water. But there are a few, and they all have some sort of railing.

The school releases students at 2:45. They do not have buses. So students must be taken home in private vehicles. It's possible that one her boys has a car and drives to the school. But it's also possible that she is responsible for getting the boys from school. If she was getting the kids, she likely wasn't planning to get black-out drunk or anything.

The last report I saw said her car was spotted going north from the Walmart area. If she was headed back toward home or to the school, she could have taken Hoffner. That would make sense. If she just wanted to be alone, she likely would have chosen to go south instead of north. There is a lot of open space around the airport and traffic is lighter. But it doesn't appear that she went that direction.

Still, I think it's worth checking any water near McCoy Road. Tradeport Drive and a little park south of that area. The park happens to be where I think she might have had one or more sons playing baseball in the past. It's usually pretty empty and would be an easy, short drive from Walmart for a person who wants to be alone.

That's all I have at the moment. I may think of some more stuff.

I am sure her brother would appreciate your insights and willingness to help! Hope you make it over to talk with him and search.

 

[MoeInVA]

Hi Oviedo - Yes, these days a lot of people have a ring camera and the Belle Isle area of Orlando has a lot of nice homes so I would guess that that they could get a lot of video footage there from Ring/Security cameras. Does this remind you of the Kelsey Berreth case with the video footage of her in a store?

Yeah 100 percent sounds like a neighborhood with videos. So... she never went home or she did and police are staying mum until they get more evidence. They have stated to media they got lots of new leads in last few days. (Sounds like a warning/announcement/intimidation? And/or an acknowledgement? But different from some cases where they quickly shift and seek to silence media because they have their suspect and all the tips are bunk).
ETA: LE seems to be keeping up this posture til they get the car for more leads. Hope they get it soon!

 

[DEB-Z]

I had a former best friend that would drink a bottle of vodka daily; she was beautiful, lived in mansions each with a full staff and private jet, school age children, and a sweet husband:
She was intoxicated ALL the time, from morning until bedtime, and many people had NO clue; she drove her car into a house, into cars, etc...
Just saying this because you never know what is going on in other people’s homes...
If she did drink the vodka, she easily could have gone off the road into a ravine, water, or woods...
I pray she is found safe, my thoughts are with her family and friends...

 

[MrsWatson]

I'm not getting hinky vibes off the husband on this. I think he is stressing the issues Stephanie had and was having because he thinks it figures into her behavior and disappearance. She may have done this in the past, bought a bottle and parked up somewhere; maybe she didn't want to drink around her sons. I think he may be highlighting it because so often, that sort of thing is just glossed over and seen as "shameful", which can be very unhelpful in finding a person who is having addiction and/or mental health problems. Addiction and mental health issues effect every aspect of society, not just people someone looks at and says, "oh, obvious junkie, probably od'd".

Like @DEB-Z , I knew someone who was a secret drinker and I had zero clue until it all fell apart in a big way.

She and her family are in my prayers and I hope she is found alive and can get help.

All my speculation/opinion

 

[Tori1]

Thank you for sharing. I read the article and three things stand out to me about this and Stephanie who looks healthy and fit in all of her pictures. 1. Why does her husband keep talking about her 'supposedly' having an issue with alcohol, anxiety? I find it odd that he keeps pointing that out and I don't think it is relevant right now for the search. JMOO. We haven't heard the rest of her family/friends confirm or deny these issues. 2. In one interview with WESH TV Scott states about where she drank the vodka, "She probably bought that and went and sat in a parking lot either right here, or near home, or somewhere very close to here, and that's why we think she was in a very vulnerable position and that's why we're asking everybody to continue to help, to help with our search." Why would he focus on that area? If she did drink the vodka in her car in the parking lot, was vulnerable and someone took her they would have taken her away from that area. In the Kelsey Berreth case, her ex finance tried to lead investigators and her family to believe that she was in Idaho in an effort to keep them off the trail of searching her townhome, his land, etc. JMOO. 3. In the article you posted, he mentions her light colored LV bag and that she had that with her. He also said he didn't know what time she left home so how does he know she had the purse with her? The LV purse isn't in the video from what I can see. Just trying to make sense of this and praying that this beautiful soul this found safe and sound.
WESH TV Interview:
Florida mother vanished after buying vodka at Walmart

I think that she took the $20 cash to buy the alcohol so no one would see what she purchased since there were prior issues pertaining to drinking I feel her husband is in shock and being in the spotlight and having to explain he didn't want to tell the problems in his family to the public the focus is finding Stephanie since there were prior issues they might not have been getting along well and he may feel bad about it and is doing the best he can to get her media coverage and find her I hope she is found safe I live near Orlando I look in lots and places for the SUV hopefully the be answer soon

 

[oviedo]

Where Is Stephanie Hollingsworth? Mom of 3 Has Battled Demons, But Vanishing Is Out of the Norm, Husband Says
snipped
2:03 PM PDT, October 8, 2020 - RUTH BASHINSKY

Scott Hollingsworth


Friday marks two weeks since Stephanie Hollingsworth disappeared and her family is asking the public for help in finding the loving mother of three. Hollingsworth, 52, of Orlando, Florida was last seen on Sept. 25 at the Bank of America withdrawing $20 from the ATM.
snip
“Stephanie has never gone away. She was home every night. She would never want to be away from her family; that is why I feel something happened beyond her control at a vulnerable moment. I feel she is in danger,” he said.

Stephanie is very active in the women’s ministry and many of the young girls looked up to her, Scott said, describing her as a person with “all heart” that people were just drawn too.

"Stephanie has an amazing glow about her," he said. "Everyone was magnetized by her. She was always so positive and gave everything she had to everyone."

Stephanie has battled alcohol addiction most of her life, and over the last few months, but her drinking seemed to escalate recently, he said.

“Stephanie has had a lifetime dealing with anxieties and depression, just dealing with life and using alcohol as a way to escape. She gave everything she had to everyone, but she had internal battles that were real,” he said. “I want to make this public and make people understand that it is so hard to get people to talk about this, since many feel it is taboo. The video shows she did buy some alcohol and I have no idea why she did that and I want people to just stay focused on finding her.”
snipped
ETA: This is so sad...I wish we would hear from some of her friends directly
JMO

 

[MoeInVA]

The report indicating that the oldest son and father were both home has me leaning toward the car accident. But open minded. it’s still difficult to imagine that during the day.

The family has just created a public search group on Facebook. Locals are posting where they have checked and what businesses they have asked about video footage. Already very active. Great place for locals to join in!

Searching for Stephanie Hollingsworth Official Public Group | Facebook
Cc @Tori1 @CluelessWonder
@LaurenIpsum

Even just mentioning lots etc you checked in your own area nearby would be appreciated I am sure.

 

[Lamima]

My hinky meter is going off. Very unusual for family to highlight drinking problems and mental problems like this. What happens if she is found and comes home? She will be crushed that her issues were made so public. And would set her back even more. If she is watching it could set her back and keep her from coming home. Seems like someone knows she isn't watching and isn't coming back. JMO.

 

[oviedo]

My hinky meter is going off. Very unusual for family to highlight drinking problems and mental problems like this. What happens if she is found and comes home? She will be crushed that her issues were made so public. And would set her back even more. If she is watching it could set her back and keep her from coming home. Seems like someone knows she isn't watching and isn't coming back. JMO.

I’m thinking it’s a lot of information- why?

 

[SleuthyLou]

The only reason I worry is his use of her in past tense initially. That’s not normal. Even if you think something bad did happen, not having proof of that is usually what keeps people from using past tense. But he knows her mental state and if she was battling alcoholism and seemed down than it could seem likely. He could also be preparing himself for the worst. I also have friends that you would never know struggles with something like this. It’s becoming an epidemic in moms with the drinking culture out there. I feel so badly for her kids who must be so worried. It is odd none of her friends or anyone else has spoken out. That seems strange...if it was my best friend I would be all over the news.

 

[Hair of the Dog]

I’m thinking it’s a lot of information- why?

Maybe because of the way that alcohol affects her behavior? I may be taking his words too literally here:

"She always carried so much guilt and shame about this but everyday when she woke up, it was a new start and I never carried anything into the next day," he said.

Where Is Stephanie Hollingsworth? Mom of 3 Has Battled Demons, But Vanishing Is Out of the Norm, Husband Says

There are probably certain behavioral cues that trigger his personal "ground hog day" and he just knows from past experience, bad things can happen when his loved one is under the influence, because of how the alcohol affects her behavior. When someone has been drinking alcoholically for years they can lose control very fast and have terrible sometimes life threatening falls or other dangerous misadventures.

ETA: When you live with or in close proximity to an alcoholic or an addict, you are always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

MOO