1971 Cold Case: Remains Could Belong To Missing Teens
A 1971 cold case is being reexamined. Cheryl Miller and Pamella Jackson, both age 17, vanished on May 29, 1971. Miller was driving her grandfather’s 1960 Studebaker Lark.
The girls were on their way to a party in South Dakota. However, they never arrived. Although there were many theories in the last 42 years, no evidence was ever found.
In 2004, bones, clothing, newspaper clippings, and a purse, were recovered from a neighbor’s farm. Although the items were rumored to belong to the teens, the rumors were never confirmed.
In 2007 authorities thought the disappearance was solved. Aloysius Black Crow, a prison inmate, said a fellow inmate confessed to killing the teens.
Lykken was indicted by the grand jury. Before his trial began, Crow admitted that he lied about the confession. He later plead guilty to two counts of perjury.
As reported by CBS News, the charges against Lykken were dismissed.
Early this week, a fisherman discovered a 1960 Studebaker Lark in Brule Creek. Remembering the disappearance of Miller and Jackson, he contacted authorities immediately.
Police responded to the scene and removed the vehicle from the creek. The license plate confirmed the car belonged to Miller’s grandfather.
Attorney General Marty Jackley said skeletal remains were found inside the vehicle. He said other items found in and around the car link it to the 1971 cold case.
Authorities did not confirm how many bodies were inside the car. The remains will be submitted for autopsy and DNA testing in Sioux Falls.
Union County Sheriff Dan Limoges says the results will help determine whether foul play was involved.
Pamella Jackson’s 102-year-old father was buried two days before the car was found. Jackson’s family says they talked to police about the discovery. However, they refused further comment.
Cheryl Miller’s sisters are thankful the car was found. The case haunted their family for over 40 years. They are ready for closure.
The 1971 cold case remains a heartbreaking mystery. However, the community and families may soon have answers.
[Image via Flickr]
