Although investigators declined to release specific details as to this line of inquiry beyond stating the information sourced from an individual known to the child who had provided information with the potential to lead police to "a known specific actor or actors", a spokesman stated the information received had been "more specific" than any information investigators had received in many years. Authorities also sent letters to people who were incarcerated to ask whether they had heard anything about the missing girl from other inmates. [41][42], Addressing the media following the conclusion of these legal proceedings, Janice McKinney stated: "When people die, you have a body. Janice McKinney feels like she has nothing to lose in her search to find out what happened to her daughter. At just 20-months old Ayla Reynolds went missing in 2011. Target 11: Police Seek DNA In Cherrie Mahan Case Posted: 3:47 pm EDT June 13, 2011Updated: 5:20 pm EDT June 14, 2011 ::snipping2:: PITTSBURGH -- Cherrie Mahan vanished from a Butler County neighborhood 26 years ago. She was walking to get on the school bus and was only fifty feet from her house when she seems to have simply disappeared. The three young men, including Joran Van Der Sloot, claimed that they dropped the young woman off at her hotel and have no idea what happened to her after that. Cherrie was a tough little girl, she was growing up and fought (with the pedophile), Vincent said. The police have no leads, no suspects, nothing to indicate her whereabouts or fate, even though she was missed within minutes with a good vehicle description besides. After five to 10 minutes,Chilling Crimes reports LeRoy walked to the bus stop and could not find any trace of Mahan. They also said another tip led them to search an Armstrong junkyard and an old mine shaft in Butler County within the last year. To this day the baby remains missing. She was last seen leaving Carlosn Charlies in Oranjestad leaving in a car with three young men who were local in the area. At the time, many believed that Philip had been kidnapped by a bad man who lured him into the back of his vehicle using candy. If nothing else, she'll always be [alive] in our hearts. Authorities also sent letters to people who were incarcerated to ask whether they had heard anything about the missing girl from other inmates. 1 of 2. A thorough search of Butler County was bolstered by an estimated 250 local volunteers, although these searches failed to locate the child. . Janice McKinney on Wednesday, Feb. 22, holds a photo of her missing daughter, Cherrie Mahan, who was 6 years old when the photo was taken. Without photos, for example, police followed up on hundreds of vans with illustrations of mountain scenes, skiers and even some cowboys. There is no evidence received that puts her in the van, DeLuca said. If you have any information concerning this case, please contact: Pennsylvania State Police 412-284-8100. He duly noted the bare facts: Cherrie Mahan was born Aug. 14, 1976. According toActive Missing People, authorities also ruled out kidnapping for ransom, as the family never received any ransom demands. acknowledged her or attempted to have any kind of relationship wit She believes that incident and the disappearance are related, and that "friends" of her alleged rapist (Cherrie's unnamed biological father) were responsible for Cherrie's disappearance. It was like the Earth opened up and she fell in, said her Although a suspect vehicle was sighted and many. State police welcomed two investigators from Team Adam of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to the Butler station last week. A Butler County judge approved a petition from Janice McKinney to do so in November that year. Active Missing People reports that the description matches the van Debbie Burk saw parked on the corner Cherrie Mahan would have passed on her way home. But they are trying harder and upping their efforts to find answers around the anniversary of the 8-year-olds disappearance Feb. 22, 1985. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); As a mother of 3 I cant even imagine this. Though Craig was a person of interest in the matter he has never been arrested for the disappearance of Lisa Stebic. Letters and posters were sent to every television station and And police are hoping in there somewhere, they'll find the answer to Cherrie's disappearance. Patch earmuffs, blue leg warmers and a denim skirt. I worked 40 years in a nursing home. Cameron Norris | Cold Cases. They donated the life insurance policy they received to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and put a car accident settlement she had received into a trust fund for her brother. Craig had filed for divorce months before she disappeared but the couple continued living together. It was right behind me.". The investigation was highly criticized, but the Aruban police and hundreds of volunteers scoured the nation for her. The family eventually moved to the quiet suburb of Winfield Township, Pennsylvania, where LeRoy was employed as a postal worker. As reported by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, LeRoy McKinney was outside waiting on the porch when he heard the school bus pulling up to the stop and the children getting off the bus. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Investigative Agency: Pennsylvania State Police, Troop D, Butler Station at (724) 284-8100 or Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Missing Persons Unit at (717) 783-5524. The van has never been located or identified and investigators are still not sure if it was connected to Cherrie's case. When Janine had a dream that she found Cherrie When her father went in to check on her the next morning she had completely vanished. But many believed that the young woman was kidnapped. just tell he was numb, said Kathleen Yates, a neighbour. But Cherrie didn't make it home that day, and 35 years later, Cherrie's family and friends are still waiting for answers.Character limits won't let us list all of our sources here, but you can find them . Louise was the youngest of three children. Well always look He later recollected he had intended to walk down the 150-yard driveway to meet his stepdaughter before his wife said: "No, it's a nice day. "If they have information and they've been holding it for all these years, that they see what this woman has been living with her entire adult life and come forward and give that information to us.". CABOT, Pa. Thirty-four years ago, on Feb. 22, 1985,8-year-old Cherrie Mahan got off the school bus in Cabot but never made it home. I wish they'd come forward and say something. He simply had to wait to get his braces removed. However, he was eventually ruled out as he had a confirmed alibi on the day Mahan vanished. He was reported missing and his father searched for him high and low. She stayed up drinking until the middle of the night with the cruise ship band and then went back to her room. There are middle-aged people, teenaged people, and even babies and toddlers that have, and continue to be, missing. He said he doesnt want to speculate whether Mahans disappearance was caused by someone who knew her. Cherrie Ann Mahan. Pennsylvania, with their 8-year-old daughter,Cherrie Mahan. Since KDKA's report aired last night at 11, Trooper Jim Long says, "We've gotten a ton of tips, it's been very effective and as of now, we're still trying to work our way through them, cause even as we are speaking now, I would not be surprised if we got a couple more.". Cherrie has a dog bite scar on her left arm. Cherrie Mahan was last seen stepping off a school bus in Winfield Township on Feb. 22, 1985. . She hasn't been seen since, and was the first child ever featured on the now-famous "Have You Seen Me?" advertising circulars produced by a company called Advo Inc. She turned the letter over to policebut never heard back. Nevertheless, as he made plans to retire, he still had not found any answers. Although authorities have not released the actual contents of the letter, they confirmed it included specific names and locations, which were thoroughly investigated. List Enthusiast. His family reported him missing on January 16, 2006. There could be several explanations for Mahan's disappearance, but law enforcement officials believe she was kidnapped and taken out of the region. After KDKA's report of a new revelation from Cherrie's mother, KDKA's John Shumway reports police received dozens of new tips. Its every mothers dream to have a child graduate, go on to college and get married. Donations are accepted but not expected; the site remains free-access to all. or call our tipline and leave us a message: (412) 237-4963. rural community. [35] This spokesman declined to further elaborate, citing the ongoing investigation. WINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) - Almost 35 years later, Cherrie Mahan's mother still lives in Butler County, and she wants to know what happened to her daughter. Since that dark day more than three decades ago, Cherrie, the eight-year-old with the big brown eyes and the pretty smile, has become a part of Pittsburgh's collective memory. If she had gotten lost or was killed near her home, for example, officials believe they would have found some trace of her, her clothes, or her belongings during the extensive searches. Janice had moved to Mars with Leroy and the couple now had a 5-year-old son, Robert. In 2014, Target 11 traveled to Michigan to investigate a tip that Cherrie was alive and living under another name. A Seattle store worker turned the tables on an armed suspect during an attempted robbery on Monday, shooting and killing the would-be thief in an exchange of gunfire, authorities . Cherrie Mahan only had to walk around the corner and go up her 150-foot driveway to make it home where her parents were waiting for her. Unfortunately, a thick fog fell across Winfield Township and the Eyes: Hazel. "What a person might think may be insignificant, that may be the piece that we're looking for," he says. Because of this, his first trial went to retrial. While there have been rumors and focus on Cherries family and acquaintances, DeLuca doesnt want to rule anyone out. Today marks 38 years since 8-year-old Cherrie Mahan disappeared in Butler County. In the morning her, her cigarettes, and her lighter were gone. Investigators have no new leads in her disappearance, despite the numerous tips they have received over the years. Although he often walked to the end of the driveway to meet Mahan, Janice told him to let her walk alone because the weather was particularly nice that day. The girl has been missing for twenty-five years. [37], A further line of inquiry investigators pursued dates from 2014, when investigators pursued a tip that Mahan was alive and living under an assumed name in Michigan. This open-ended mourning can wreak havoc on the mental health of family and loved ones. Cherrie Mahan disappeared in 1985 after hopping off her school bus. We'll always look for Cherrie. Today marks 38 years since 8-year-old Cherrie Mahan disappeared in Butler County. She was about 100 to 150 yards down a dirt driveway from her family's home on Cornplanter Road in Cabot, Pennsylvania, when she vanished. This line of inquiry failed to generate any significant leads. We dont give up hope, Kofluk said. They have talked to the woman and she doesn't think she's Cherrie, but DNA tests are in progress. Cherries name is pronounced Cherry like the fruit and not as shah-ree like the spelling Cherie. The Charley Project is NOT a registered non-profit organization and any donations will NOT be tax-deductible. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The state police in butler are waiting for your call. Police also investigated and determined it wasn't Cherrie. Shortly before her disappearance, Mahan had received a broken arm after being hit by a car. However, since the bombshell announcement in June 2020 about new prime suspect Christian B - public progress has been slow. Cherrie Mahan's Mother Still Searching 35 Years After Disappearance Watch on Chilling Crimes Author [21] Burk was the last individual to see Mahan. She shared with us that Cherrie was the result of rape when Janice was 16. A bright blue or green 1976 Dodge van was seen in the area at the time of Cherrie's disappearance and may be connected to her case. Cherrie has never been heard from again. Jean Vincent said in talking and holding readings with Cherries family and others since she went missing, she thinks the young girl was taken by a local pedophile from a family with a history of pedophilia. had seen a blue or green van with a skier and mountain scene painted on the Now, 35 years later, Janice McKinney just wants to know. Mahan's first name is phonetically pronounced "Cherry". The 1985 Disappearance of School Girl Cherrie Ann Mahan ~ True Crime Diva, The Mysterious Disappearance Of Cherrie Mahan Explained - Celeb 99, Lost at Sea The Disappearance of Rebecca Coriam. "I don't know if they were mad," LeRoy McKinney explained. She still remains missing. Possibly involved in her disappearance was a bright blue, or blue-green 1976 Dodge van with a . [27], Investigators quickly discounted any possibility Mahan had been kidnapped for a ransom;[28][n 4] concluding the child most likely knew her abductor or abductors, although all family members were quickly eliminated as suspects. [25][26], Mahan's stepfather, LeRoy McKinney, overheard the school bus slowing to a halt near his home. Mahan's abduction is strongly believed not to have been committed by a family member. Although it was suggested that her biological father might have been involved, authorities were never able to tie him to the assumed abduction. Her mother is adamant that these items were dropped as Calico tried to mark her path. premonition.4, The case gradually went cold. Her case info. Before leaving campus on February 9, 2004, she emailed her professors and her work supervisor that she was taking a week off because of a death in the family. Info soughtAnyone with information on the disappearance of Cherrie Mahan in Winfield Township, Butler County, on Feb. 22, 1985, is asked to contact Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers online with a tip ($5,000 reward), or call Pennsylvania State Police Missing Persons Unit at 724-284-8100, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678. 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For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure . The police did not believe the rape allegation and Cherrie's biological father was never charged. CABOT, Pa. Thirty-four years ago, on Feb. 22, 1985, 8-year-old Cherrie Mahan got off the school bus in Cabot but never made it home. The Dutch-owned island of Aruba might not have had the police force that Holloways parents were looking for. (CNN) - Cherrie Mahan was 8 years old when she disappeared from her bus stop one day after school in 1985. Police can only hope to receive more viable, solid tips from someone with direct knowledge. The only physical evidence suggesting anything unusual happened was a set of tire tracks in the snow where Burk said the other van was parked. Tips come in locally, as well as through Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers, which offers a $5,000 reward. Pittsburgh Post-Gazettereports Janice McKinney addressed the court, saying, "This is not over. 2023 Cox Media Group. While she waits for answers, McKinney said she's made her peace. Another person saw Cherrie walk past the van which was seen parked at the side The Disappearance of Cherrie Mahan. [31], When no significant leads developed and the child had been missing for three months,[32] a national direct mailing company printed a photograph of Mahan on postcards accompanied by the question, "Have you seen me?" State police in Butler continue their search for Cherrie Mahan, who was last seen at age 8 on Feb. 22, 1985, when she exited her school bus on Cornplanter Road, Winfield Township, Butler County. been abducted. However, none of the charges stuck. The person who I said was her father never wanted to admit to it, she said. There were no license plate readers or home surveillance cameras at the time. Authorities eventually determined the girl might actually be Cherrie Mahan. Debbie Burk said the three children got into her van, and Cherrie Mahan continued walking toward her home. A local songwriter even wrote a song for Cherrie and several Girl", "Cherrie Mahan Missing: Penn. From 2005: Girl's disappearance remains a mystery 20 years later. This mother and daughter went missing in 1980 from St. Kilda, Victoria, Australia. Cherrie's father maintains his innocence in her case. McKinney said the father knew a biker gang she felt was dangerous, but she doesnt know if they were violent. As reported by Chilling Crimes, Janice became pregnant with her daughter when she was raped as a teen. Cherrie Mahan's Mother Still Searching 35 Years After Disappearance Watch on Cherrie Mahan's mother is still searching, KDKA's John Shumway reports. Long says they may not even realize it. Brown hair, hazel eyes. If you have any information on this case, please contact CUE Center for Missing Persons at (910) 343-1131 or call the CUE Center 24-hour tip line at . The young, doe-eyed girl with an impish grin became the first person featured on the famous Have you seen me? circulars produced by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. That van was very distinctive I wouldnt be surprised if it was destroyed shortly afterwards. But they are trying harder and upping their efforts to find answers around the anniversary of the 8-year-old's disappearance Feb. 22, Hello world! I just love learning new things, interesting facts, mind-boggling lists and obscure knowledge every day! The elementary school became a Cherrie Mahan's mother still searching for answers. If nothing else, she'll always be in our hearts. "I just wish someone would come forth and tell me what happened," Janice McKinney said through tears. Cherrie was last seen getting off the bus from her elementary school on February 22, 1985, around 4:05 p.m. Three other students joined her at the bus stop. Louise made friends with another mother in the neighborhood a bit of time before she disappeared. . to Cherrie or her disappearance. It sucks the life out of me.. The author of this letter concluded this correspondence by stating: "I pray you find some peace after you find her body. WINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) - Almost 35 years later, Cherrie Mahan's mother still lives in Butler County, and she wants to know what happened to her daughter. This is not over. To this day no bodies have been found and no one has been charged in the case of this disappearance. Cherrie was last seen getting off of her school bus 37 years ago. In 1987 the government did receive proof that Arad was alive, but negotiation talks eventually failed in 1988. From 2020: Cherrie Mahan's mysterious disappearance haunts her mother 35 years later kept saying, My little girls gone. The mother was allegedly raped and conceived Cherrie. Here are the exact passages from the article: "Janice believes there is a connection between her rape, Cherries birth, and eight years later her disappearance I do, I believe that but I cant prove anything, she says. But not knowing where she is, whether shes dead or alive, its like a never-ending story. While she had accepted that her daughter had most likely been By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. If nothing else, shell always be in our hearts, said her mother. personal computer for volunteers to keep track of addresses. Investigators told Target 11 they are still working on it. If you have any information on the circumstances surrounding Cherrie's disappearance, please call the Pennsylvania State Police Missing Persons unit at 724-284-8100. The short walk should have only taken a few minutes but Cherrie Date of birth: August 14, 1976. Unfortunately, no sign of the van or the girl was ever found. Some reports describe this van as bright blue or green in color; some specifically describe the van as being bright blue. In 1966, 18-year-old Cheri Jo Bates was attacked after she left Riverside City College Library, California. Cherrie Ann Mahan (August 14, 1976 disappeared February 22, 1985; declared legally dead November 5, 1998) was an eight-year-old American girl who disappeared on February 22, 1985, after disembarking a school bus approximately fifty feet from the base of the driveway to her home in rural Winfield Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania. Mahan, who was 8 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen exiting a school bus on Feb. 22, 1985 in Butler County, State Police said. [7] The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children featured Mahan as the first missing child to be depicted upon postcards distributed nationwide alongside a headline reading, "Have You Seen Me?" Both of these men disappeared under similar circumstances in 2003 and 2004. In 2011 the case was reopened but Holloway was eventually declared dead. Though he has never been charged in the case both Aylas mother and police believe that hes been less than forthcoming about the details of that night. You would think a child would be safe to walk such a short distance I hope the parents dont blame themselves. based on something somebody claimed to have seen around the time of Cherries #CherrieMahan Twenty-nine years ago, high school senior Chris Birckbichler watched media accounts of 8-year-old Cherrie Mahan's disappearance from Cabot, Winfield Township.