EASTHAMPTON — Friends of Joanne M. Ringer, a 39-year-old Clarksburg woman last seen almost two weeks ago, say the woman’s car has been found in Easthampton — but Ringer wasn’t in it.
Ringer, who authorities say may have been en route on March 2 to Easthampton, was reported missing after she didn’t show up for a new job she was supposed to start at a taxi agency the following day.
Ginger Plantier, of Hatfield, who describes herself as a close friend of Ringer’s, said authorities located the green 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan “several” days ago and that it remains in the custody of Massachusetts State Police.
It was not immediately clear what investigators uncovered in the vehicle, and authorities are referring all inquiries to the Berkshire district attorney’s office, which was closed Tuesday.
Plantier also said that investigators are not yet saying where they found the vehicle, but they were canvassing nearby residences and businesses for anyone who may have more information related to Ringer’s whereabouts.
“People have assumed because her car was missing, that she just took off somewhere, and that is not the case,” Plantier said. “Her car has been found, and she is still missing.”
Police have not said whether they believe foul play is involved. The district attorney’s office appealed to the public March 5, asking for those with information to contact the Cheshire barracks of the state police.
According to the district attorney’s office, Ringer is 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighs approximately 130 pounds, and has brown eyes and brown hair with purple streaks. Ringer also has assorted tattoos that span the full length of her right arm as well as piercings on her face and torso.
On Thursday, the two-week mark since Ringer was last seen, family and friends will convene at 7:30 p.m. in the area of Mill Side Park in Easthampton for a candlelight vigil. Plantier added that Ringer’s daughter, Savanah, 19, is expected to address those in attendance.
In the days following Ringer’s disappearance, friends and family have been distributing missing persons posters all across western Massachusetts and as far as Manchester and South Windsor, Connecticut. Plantier said volunteers have also put up posters in southern Vermont — all areas where Ringer has connections.
In a March 5 Facebook post, Plantier said she was last with her friend on Feb. 27. The two were scrapbooking and finalizing plans for a “girls getaway” to Foxwoods Resort Casino that was supposed to happen this week.
“She seemed fine & did not act out of the ordinary at all. This week we were in touch via messenger several times, to nail down a date & finalize plans… until she just abandoned our conversation with no warning or explanation,” Plantier said in the post.
She hasn’t talked to her since.
Now, Plantier added, “I am trying to hold it together right now. … Our positivity right now is incredibly important to her daughter’s positivity.”
Michael Majchrowicz can be reached at mmajchrowicz@gazettenet.com.