Search and criminal investigation continue concerning missing developmentally disabled Rhode Island woman

Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, has announced that the department continues to actively investigate the disappearance of a developmentally disabled woman, reported missing by her caregiver late Wednesday afternoon. The missing woman, 45-year-old Linda DaLomba, resides in a group home in Lincoln.

On Wednesday, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a Cranston woman employed as DaLomba’s caregiver reported that she went missing around 2:30 PM. The caregiver initially claimed that DaLomba disappeared while she was using the bathroom at the Burlington Coat Factory. However, after reviewing hours of surveillance footage, investigators determined that the caregiver and DaLomba were never at the store, proving the account to be false. The caregiver then provided multiple conflicting statements regarding DaLomba’s whereabouts, prompting the Cranston Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit to take over the case.

Department members have since conducted extensive searches, including aerial and ground operations, but there have been no confirmed sightings of DaLomba. Her photograph has been shared with local news outlets and across the department’s social media platforms. A Code Red alert (reverse 911 system) was also activated to notify the public.

Multiple individuals, including people of interest believed to have knowledge of the case—have been interviewed. Several court-authorized search warrants have been executed, including at two residences connected to those persons of interest. The FBI, Providence, and Rhode Island State Police have also been assisting in search efforts.

The investigation is now classified as a criminal investigation.

The department appreciates the public’s support and urges anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. If anyone has knowledge regarding DaLomba’s disappearance, please contact the Cranston Police Department at (401) 942-2211. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by texting the keyword CRANSTONPD along with the tip to 847411.