Authorities in Illinois have announced a major breakthrough in a cold case that has haunted the region for nearly 42 years. Skeletal remains discovered in the Illinois River have been positively identified as belonging to a young woman who disappeared in the early 1980s. The identification was made possible, in part, by the efforts of local detectives who took an unconventional approach to solving the case: launching their own podcast.
The detectives, facing dwindling leads and frustrated by the lack of progress, created the podcast to raise awareness and solicit new information from the public. The podcast delved into the details of the case, interviewing family members, friends, and potential witnesses. It generated renewed interest in the cold case and ultimately yielded crucial tips that led investigators to focus their search on a specific area of the Illinois River.
Following up on these tips, authorities conducted a search of the river and discovered the skeletal remains. Forensic analysis confirmed the remains belonged to the missing woman. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities believe they are closer than ever to understanding the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and bringing closure to her family. The success of the podcast highlights the potential of using new media to solve old crimes.
Illinois Cold Case Solved After 42 Years: Podcast Leads to Discovery
Skeletal remains found in the Illinois River have been identified as those of a missing woman, solving a cold case that spanned over four decades. Detectives, frustrated by the lack of progress, launched a podcast to generate new leads. The podcast ultimately helped uncover information that led to the discovery of the woman's remains. This marks a significant breakthrough in the long-unsolved mystery.
Source: Read the original article at NBC