Video evidence provides key details in case of previously missing developmentally disabled Rhode Island woman, update on her condition given

Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, announced that detectives have obtained video evidence clarifying Linda DaLomba’s disappearance.

Surveillance footage recorded on March 19th at approximately 2:42 p.m., the same day she was reported missing, shows DaLomba walking alone down Pond Street and entering a parked vehicle, where she remained until being found on Sunday afternoon. 

DaLomba’s caretaker, Roberta Gerard, admitted she left her unattended in the backseat of her car while visiting a nail salon about 475 feet from where DaLomba was later discovered. Gerard arrived at the salon at 12:48 p.m. and left at approximately 2:32 p.m., returning to her residence on North Clarendon Street. She later drove around the area before reporting DaLomba missing from the Burlington Coat Factory at 3:58 p.m. 

Based on the evidence, investigators believe DaLomba exited Gerard’s vehicle in the nail salon parking lot before traveling to Pond Street and entering the parked vehicle. Detectives found no indication that any other individuals were involved in her disappearance. 

DaLomba remains hospitalized, and her health is improving.