Authorities in the United States have confirmed that a woman missing since 1962 has been found alive.
Disappearance and investigation
Audrey Backeberg was 20 when she left her home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, in July 1962. Investigators followed numerous leads, but the case eventually went cold.
Earlier this year, officials reviewed cold cases and re-examined Ms Backeberg’s file. A detective from the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office looked over case documents, re-interviewed witnesses, and successfully tracked her down. Authorities confirmed that Ms Backeberg, now 82, lives outside Wisconsin and is in good health.
The events leading to her missing
Ms Backeberg was married with two children when she disappeared on 7 July 1962. She left home to collect her wages but never returned. Her husband then asked family members for help.
A 14-year-old babysitter later told investigators that she and Ms Backeberg hitchhiked to Madison, the state capital, before catching a bus to Indianapolis, Indiana. The babysitter became nervous and decided to return home, while Ms Backeberg stayed behind. She was last seen near a bus stop.
The Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy organisation noted that Ms Backeberg’s marriage had difficulties and there were allegations of abuse. A criminal complaint had been filed just before she disappeared. However, her husband passed a polygraph test and denied any wrongdoing. Her family believed she would never abandon her children.
Detective’s breakthrough and Ms Backeberg’s return
Detective Isaac Hanson, who located Ms Backeberg, credited genealogical resources with helping him find her. He uncovered vital information through her sister’s Ancestry.com account.
“This was crucial for finding death records, census reports, and other data,” he explained to local news outlet WISN. “I contacted the local sheriff’s department and asked them to check the address. Ten minutes later, she called me. We spoke for 45 minutes.”
Detective Hanson believes Ms Backeberg likely left due to personal issues. He added that she sounded content with her life and expressed no regrets.
The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Ms Backeberg’s disappearance wasn’t caused by criminal activity or foul play. She made the choice to leave.
