Police finally identify schoolgirl missing for over 50 years
- Ruth Elizabeth Brenneman, 14, went missing in 1973 while heading to school in York County, Pennsylvania.
- Her remains were found in 1973 in a wooded area, but identification and cause of death remained unknown for many years.
- Modern forensic techniques led to her identification in October 2024, providing closure for her family and reviving interest in the investigation.
In Pennsylvania, the identity of a schoolgirl whose remains had been discovered in 1973 remained unknown for decades. On September 10, 1973, 14-year-old Ruth Elizabeth Brenneman disappeared while on her way to school from her home in York County. Her family reported her missing after she did not return home, triggering an investigation that spanned over five decades. On October 10, 1973, Lebanon County Game Wardens found her decomposed body hidden under plastic tarp and brush in a wooded area 47 miles away from her home. Despite extensive efforts, no cause of death was established, and no one was charged in connection with the case. The identification of her remains was achieved through modern forensic techniques in October 2024, when a genealogy lab worked with police to confirm her identity after her remains were exhumed for examination. This identification process brought some closure to Brenneman's family, who expressed gratitude to the police team for their diligent work over the years. Investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding her death, with police noting there are still suspicions given the way her body was discovered. They have not disclosed if there are any persons of interest at this stage, but there is hope that advancements in forensic science will aid in solving this long-standing mystery.