Closure After 25 Years: Missing Mother Found in Florida Pond

PLANTATION, FL — In a breakthrough that brings long-awaited closure, the remains of missing mother of three, Libby Ann Dibenedetto, missing since April 2000, have been discovered by Sunshine State Sonar, a volunteer dive team renowned for solving cold cases through sonar technology.

Dibenedetto, 35 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen after a night out at Duke’s Bar and Grill in Davie. Living with her mother in Sunrise after a recent divorce, Libby’s last known action was placing a phone call to her therapist from a payphone near North Pine Island Road and West Sunrise Boulevard. After that call, all contact ceased, and both she and her gold 1996 Toyota Camry vanished without a trace.

For over two decades, her case remained unsolved—until this past Sunday, April 6, 2025. Sunshine State Sonar located her submerged vehicle and skeletal remains 13 feet underwater in a small pond near the intersection of W. Sunrise Blvd. and N. Flamingo Rd. in Plantation, Florida.

“This marks the end of a 25-year mystery,” said James Seidel of CC News. “It’s a testament to the relentless work of volunteer divers and the power of sonar search technology.”

Sunshine State Sonar began its work on Libby’s case in July 2022, conducting 36 deployments and combing through nearly 400 bodies of water in Broward County.

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in this recovery,” the team shared. “The Plantation Fire Department and their Dive Team, the Plantation Police Department—especially Officer Courtney Fish, who assisted in 2024—A Superior Towing, and the Sunrise Police Department all played vital roles in helping bring Libby home.”

Dibenedetto’s tragic discovery now allows her family to grieve with answers. CC News extends its deepest condolences to her loved ones.

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