Lambton OPP renewed its call for information Thursday in its probe of the 1974 death of Sarnia’s Karen Caughlin.
The body of Caughlin,14, was found March 17, 1974, on Plowing Match Road outside Petrolia. She was last seen alive early the day before.
OPP have issued a call for information every year since her remains were found on the rural Lambton County road between Churchill and Lasalle lines.
Caughlin’s body was discovered on the rural Lambton County road between Churchill and Lasalle lines.
“Even after 49 years, information is still being received on this case,” Lambton OPP detachment commander Insp. Chris Avery said in a release.
“Our investigators diligently follow every tip,” he said.
New information in 2017 revealed Caughlin’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle and that her body had been moved from where it was hit, police said.
A $50,000 reward for information in the case remains in place, the OPP said.
“I would like to thank the public for their continued support with this investigation,” Avery said.
Police also said a roadside memorial to Caughlin has been removed and relatives urge those responsible to put it back or bring it to the OPP detachment on Oil Heritage Road in Petrolia.
Caughlin, the youngest of six children in a Sarnia family, went with a friend to the Rose Gardens roller skating rink on the evening of March 15, 1974, police said.
She had arranged to stay overnight with a friend who lived near her Brock Street home.
The girls left Rose Gardens and got a ride with other friends, who dropped Caughlin off at a second girlfriend’s home at 12:50 a.m. March 16.
Police said they want to hear from anyone who may have discussed attending or hosting a social gathering in Petrolia after attending the skating rink, perhaps the day before Caughlin was last seen alive.
The OPP also want to hear from anyone with information about a collision or vehicle damage in the Petrolia area around that time.
A case chronology video posted to the OPP YouTube channel has been viewed more than 33,000 times since 2014, police said.
Anyone with information should OPP at 519-882-1011, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
