In a case that’s stretched across nearly two decades, Connecticut State Police have confirmed that human remains found in Mansfield Hollow Lake belong to Robert Cavanaugh. He vanished on Christmas Eve in 2004.
The news finally puts an end to a mystery that’s haunted Mansfield and nearby towns for years. It’s involved a patchwork of agencies, dogged searches, and some pretty advanced forensic work.
Explore top-rated stays with no booking fees and instant confirmation. Your dream trip starts here!
Start Exploring Now
The Discovery at Mansfield Hollow Lake
On October 5, Mansfield firefighters spotted human remains floating in Mansfield Hollow Lake. They didn’t waste time—they called Troop C of the Connecticut State Police right away.
The Eastern District Major Crime Squad took over fast. They brought in help from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), K9 units, and the Emergency Services Unit Dive Team to dig into the scene.
Initial Investigation and Recovery Efforts
After removing the remains, investigators sent them to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. They wanted to find any clue that might finally solve the nearly 21-year-old case.
This was just the start, though. The search at Mansfield Hollow Lake was about to get even bigger and more complicated.
A Deeper Search Reveals Critical Evidence
Two weeks later, on October 21, divers went back to the lake for a more thorough search. They found more remains—and something else: a submerged vehicle.
The vehicle turned out to be a 1996 Mazda B2300 pickup truck. Inside, they found personal items that pointed straight to Robert Cavanaugh.
Items Linking to Cavanaugh
Inside the truck, investigators found:
- Parking passes
- A name tag
- A license plate registered in Cavanaugh’s name
These items made it clear that Cavanaugh and the vehicle had been connected from the start. After all these years underwater, the truth had finally surfaced.
The Missing Person Case from 2004
Robert Cavanaugh was 51 when he disappeared on December 24, 2004. Reports from back then said he’d left a suicide note.
His sudden absence hit communities across Connecticut—Mansfield, Windham, Norwich, Willimantic, Hartford, New London. Friends, family, and police kept searching, year after year.
DNA Analysis Brings Closure
On November 13, 2025, DNA testing confirmed the remains belonged to Cavanaugh. Medical records showing he’d had shoulder surgery matched up, too.
Multi-Agency Cooperation
This investigation brought together a lot of different teams in Connecticut:
- Troop C State Police
- The Eastern District Major Crime Squad
- DEEP crews
- K9 teams
- Emergency Services Unit Dive Team
- The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Honestly, it’s impressive to see so many groups pull together. It reminds me of other big cases in places like Stamford and Waterbury, where teamwork really does make a difference.
Case Closure Announcement
After confirming Cavanaugh’s identity, Connecticut State Police thanked everyone involved and officially closed the case. Now, after so many years of not knowing, those close to Cavanaugh finally have answers.
Reflections on a Long Search
This case reminds me how persistent investigative work can finally bring answers, even after decades. It’s a story of patience, dedication, and forensic science.
The search stretched across Connecticut, from Mansfield to Hartford. For people living nearby and for law enforcement, the closure feels bittersweet.
It ends a tragic mystery, but also highlights why continual search and recovery efforts matter. Sometimes, you just have to keep looking.
Would you like me to also create an **SEO keyword list** based on this blog post so it ranks higher in local Connecticut searches? That could help bring your story more visibility among readers interested in local crime and missing persons cases.
Here is the source article for this story: Body Of Man Missing For 2 Decades Located In Lake In Mansfield: Stay Police
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
