Westport Police Department:

On May 24, 1989 at approximately 11:00 pm, officers and fire personnel were dispatched to a report of a fire in the rear of the 337 Main Street shopping plaza.  Arriving first responders observed a female body had been burned at that location near the wood line.  Shortly thereafter, the deceased’s husband contacted police to report her missing. 

The deceased, Joan M. Werktin, then age 38, of Westport, had allegedly left her residence earlier that evening to go grocery shopping, but never returned home.  Her vehicle, a white 1988 BMW 325, was located parked in the front of the shopping plaza.  Joan Wertkin was a petite white female with long dark hair and a thin build.  On the night of her death, she was reportedly wearing a dark colored running suit made of velour type material.  Investigators do not believe she drove herself to the Main Street location.

The murder of Joan Wertkin is an active investigation and is being evaluated with advanced techniques.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Lieutenant Jillian Cabana and Detective Philip Restieri at (203) 520-3831 or coldcasetips@westportct.gov.