- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 05 May 2025 10:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A Wisconsin woman who vanished more than six decades ago has been found alive and living in another state, authorities confirmed. Audrey Backeberg, who disappeared in July 1962 at the age of 20, is now 82 and reportedly “alive and well,” according to a press statement from the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office.
The long-cold case saw a major breakthrough after a recent reassessment by the sheriff’s department. A detective assigned to revisit old cases earlier this year reviewed all available evidence, re-interviewed witnesses, and ultimately located Backeberg.
Authorities revealed that Backeberg had chosen to disappear. “Further investigation has revealed that Ms Backeberg’s disappearance was by her own choice and not the result of any criminal activity or foul play,” the statement read. Officials did not disclose which state she had been residing in.
Backeberg had been living under the radar since she left her home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, on 7 July 1962. At the time, she was married with two children. Despite numerous leads and ongoing searches over the years, her case had gone cold until the recent review.
Troubled Past And Controversial Circumstances
According to the Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy organisation and the Charley Project, Backeberg married her husband, Ronald, at around the age of 15. Their relationship was reportedly troubled, with allegations of abuse. On the day of her disappearance, a babysitter claimed Audrey told her she was leaving and would not be returning.
Despite this statement, Audrey’s family remained convinced she would never have abandoned her children. Ronald Backeberg, her husband, passed a polygraph test after her disappearance, and the case remained open but unsolved for decades.
Breakthrough from Cold Case Review
The breakthrough came when the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office reassigned the case earlier this year. “The case was assigned to a detective… which included a thorough re-evaluation of all case files and evidence, combined with re-interviewing witnesses and uncovering new insights,” said the sheriff’s office.
Authorities have not released any additional information about Backeberg’s current life or her motivations for disappearing. They have asked for privacy and declined to provide the location where she was found.
