Audrey Backeberg, a woman who vanished over 60 years ago, has been discovered alive and well by cold case investigators in the United States. The 20-year-old disappeared from her home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, on July 7, 1962. Despite exhaustive searches and investigations over the years, her whereabouts remained unknown until recently.
Earlier in the year, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office assigned Detective Isaac Hanson to conduct a thorough review of the cold case. This initiative was part of an ongoing effort to re-examine unresolved investigations. Through diligent re-evaluation of case documents and interviews with witnesses, Detective Hanson unearthed new leads that would eventually lead to Backeberg.
Now 82 years old, Backeberg has been located living in a different state. County Sheriff Chip Meister confirmed that she is safe and sound. The investigation revealed that her disappearance was voluntary and not associated with any criminal activities or foul play.
Backeberg’s life leading up to her disappearance was complex; she was married at just 15 and already had two children by the age of 20. It’s suggested that she may have taken a bus to Indiana before her sudden disappearance. Detective Hanson highlighted that an online ancestry account linked to Backeberg’s sister was instrumental in tracking her down.
Hanson noted that Backeberg appeared to have embraced her decision to leave her past behind, expressing confidence and happiness in her newfound life. Sheriff Meister emphasized the importance of resolving cold cases, as it provides closure to families and the community alike.