Audrey Backeberg disappeared without a trace in 1962 and was finally found by authorities on 2 May this year
On July 7, 1962, 20-year-old Audrey Backeberg disappeared without a trace while on her way to collect her payslip from her job at a woolen mill. Astonishingly, after six decades, the cold case has been solved.
A resident of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, Audrey was married with two children when she made the trip to the mill. She was last seen walking to a bus stop, but she never returned home, leaving her husband, Ronald, and their children frantic with worry.
In the days following her disappearance, family members reached out to other relatives in hopes of learning her whereabouts, but over time, they were forced to accept the heartbreaking reality that she was gone.
However, in an extraordinary turn of events, 63 years later, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 2 that Audrey Backeberg has been located and is “alive and well.”
Backeberg was living in Sauk County, Wisconsin, at the time of her disappearance (Getty Stock Image)
Early clues hint at Backeberg’s movements that day
The Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy has revealed new details regarding the long-unsolved disappearance of Audrey Backeberg, shedding light on what happened after she vanished.
According to a 14-year-old babysitter who cared for the family at the time, Backeberg had allegedly hitchhiked to Madison, Wisconsin, and then boarded a bus to Indianapolis. The babysitter claimed that after arriving in Indiana, the then-20-year-old woman expressed a desire not to return home and was last seen walking near a bus stop.
Detective Lt. Chris Zunker of the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office provided further insight in a recent bulletin, explaining, “The juvenile (babysitter) was interviewed again as an adult, possibly around 15 years ago. She mentioned that Audrey had taken a handful of pills, placed them in a Coke can, drank it, and then traveled to Indianapolis by bus. She also noted that Audrey may have had contact with construction workers in the area.”
Despite these statements, Backeberg’s family strongly maintained that she would never abandon her children, and her husband, Donald, passed a polygraph test, which led to his exoneration in the case.
After years of pursuing dead ends, the investigation saw a breakthrough in recent months. The case was reassigned to a detective earlier this year as part of a cold case review, which led to new developments. The Sheriff’s Office announced, “Through diligent investigative work, which included a comprehensive re-evaluation of case files and evidence, along with re-interviews of witnesses and the discovery of fresh insights, we are now able to confirm that Audrey Backeberg is alive and well, and currently residing out of state.”
Backeberg has been found ‘alive and well’ in a different state (Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy Inc)
Rumours swirl over alleged abuse
Then-Sheriff Randy Stammen disclosed that Audrey and Ronald Backeberg’s marriage had been marked by allegations of abuse, with a criminal complaint filed just days before her disappearance, which reportedly included details of this troubled relationship.
Despite these allegations, the Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy clarified that Audrey had chosen to stay at home, even amid the turmoil. However, authorities now believe that Audrey made a conscious decision to disappear, with no signs of criminal activity or foul play involved.
In the wake of this breakthrough, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement, saying, “Despite the many challenges posed by cold cases, this resolution highlights the crucial role of ongoing investigative work and the unwavering commitment of the Sheriff’s Office to providing answers to families and the community.” They also expressed gratitude to the investigators who dedicated years to solving the case.
Featured Image Credit: Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy Inc