A Wisconsin woman missing for more than six decades has been found alive and well, according to the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office.
Audrey Backeberg disappeared from her family's home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, on July 7, 1962. She was 20 years old at the time and a married mother of two children.
Investigators at the time were told by a babysitter for the family that she and Backeberg had hitchhiked to Madison before taking a Greyhound bus to Indianapolis, Indiana. The babysitter stated she last saw Backeberg walking away from the bus stop. the Charley Project
Despite the family's belief that Audrey Backeberg would never abandon her children, her husband, Ronald Backberg, passed a polygraph test conducted after her disappearance. Reports indicated the marriage was troubled, including allegations of abuse mentioned in a criminal complaint filed just days before she vanished.
The case remained cold for decades until the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office assigned it to a detective for review earlier this year. Sauk County Sheriff’s Office
Detective Isaac Hanson re-evaluated files, re-interviewed witnesses, and developed new leads. Using information derived from a connection through her sister's Ancestry.com account, he located an address believed to be linked to her. Wisconsin Department of Justice
Authorities confirmed this week that Audrey Backeberg, now 82 years old, is alive and currently resides out of state.
An investigation concluded that Backeberg's disappearance was by her own choice and did not result from any criminal activity or foul play.
Detective Hanson spoke with her by phone after confirming her identity.
He said Backeberg sounded happy and confident in her decision to leave. While acknowledging there may have been reasons such as an alleged abusive marriage contributing to her initial departure, Hanson is keeping the specific details of their conversation private.
Sheriff Chip Meister noted the importance of continued cold case investigations.
"Despite the significant challenges that many cold cases present, this resolution underscores both the importance of continued work and the dedication of the Sheriff’s Office to providing answers to families and the community," Meister said in a statement. Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy
