Missing 1971 SD Girls Case Solved, officials say

The remains recovered from a car found overturned in a South Dakota creek last fall have been identified as those of two teenage girls who disappeared in 1971, and no foul play is suspected, authorities said on Tuesday.

The girls, Cheryl Miller and Pamela Jackson, were both 17 when they headed out to a party in a 1960 Studebaker and never came home, according to authorities.

“Pam and Cherie were found in a location in the front area of the vehicle and surrounding the passenger and drivers side that would not be consistent with the trunk area, the clothing was found to contain bones as well as shoes having bones in them that would be inconsistent with foul play,” Jackley said.

The girls were on their way to a party the night they disappeared, but there are no signs alcohol caused them to veer off the road.

“The witness testimony indicating the two girls were at the hospital visiting the Miller grandmother, up until about 9:30 and then abruptly after that, met with the boys in the parking lot. There was no evidence of alcohol contained in the debris of the vehicle or surrounding the vehicle,” Jackley said.

Beside DNA testing, evidence found at the scene brings closure for the family.

“Cherie Miller’s purse, and you’ll see from the purse it contains several items. It essentially had the driver’s license and two notes from classmates, personal notes to Cherie Miller,” Jackley said.

South Dakota Attorney general Marty Jackley says law enforcement often receives help from the public to solve crimes.

He says that help is something he doesn’t take lightly.

Agencies/Canadajournal