Welcome to the intriguing world of cold and unsolved cases in California. Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the sun-soaked beaches, the state harbors a trove of mysteries that have defied resolution. These enigmatic cases, frozen in time, beckon amateur detectives and seasoned investigators to delve into the shadows of the past.
From baffling disappearances to perplexing crimes, California’s unsolved mysteries invite us to sift through the clues and speculate on the stories that continue to captivate our curiosity. Join us as we explore the chilling tales of these unresolved enigmas, piecing together fragments of history in search of the truth that has eluded us for years. Here is a list of cold or unsolved cases in the state of California (CA) that I’ve written about:
Bier, Theresa
Missing since June 1, 1987 from Fresno, CA. In 1987, a man took a teenager camping, then returned home without her and claimed that Bigfoot took her. The case remains unsolved.
Guse, Karlie
Missing on October 13, 2018 from Chalfant, CA. In 2018, a 16-year-old attended a party, then returned home. She vanished from her family’s house and hasn’t been seen since.
Keddie Cabin Murders
Three found murdered on April 11, 1981 in Keddie, CA with a fourth found deceased on April 22, 1984 in Butte County. In April 1981, three people were violently murdered in Keddie, CA, and a 12-year-old girl was kidnapped from the home and subsequently murdered, too. Despite over 40 years and several prime suspects, the case remains unsolved.
Smart, Stacey
Missing since around October 15, 2016 from Lewiston, CA. In October 2016, Stacey Smart simply vanished. No one knows what happened to her. She hasn’t contacted anyone, nor have her remains been found. Her family suspects foul play.
Von Emster, Michelle
Found deceased on April 15, 1994 in La Jolla, CA. In 1994, a woman’s shark-bitten body was found off the coast of San Diego. Authorities listed the cause of death as a shark attack, but shark experts disagree, and others suspect foul play was involved.
Californian Cities I’ve Written About
This section provides an alphabetically-sorted list of cities in California where the cases I’ve written about took place, along with the year in which the cases began.
Chalfant, CA
- Guse, Karlie (2018)
Fresno, CA
- Bier, Theresa (1987)
Keddie, CA
- Keddie Cabin Murders (1981)
La Jolla, CA
- Von Emster, Michelle (1994)
Lewiston, CA
- Smart, Stacey (2016)