Teen's Killing Remains Unsolved After 40 Years; Tucson Police Renew Appeal

TUCSON, AZ — More than 40 years after a 19-year-old Tucson woman vanished without a trace, detectives are asking the public to take another look at her case.

The Tucson Police Department's Cold Case Homicide Unit has renewed its appeal for information in the disappearance and homicide of Jeanne Overstreet, hoping someone may still hold the key to solving a mystery that has remained unsolved since 1982.

Jeanne was last seen in September 1982. Police say she was believed to be hitchhiking to the area of North Stone Avenue and University Boulevard to meet someone for lunch, but she never arrived.

Her disappearance immediately raised concern.

According to investigators, it was completely out of character for Jeanne to vanish. She left behind her puppy, and her family never heard from or saw her again.

More than a year later, in November 1983, skeletal remains were found in a remote desert area of Pinal County. Investigators were unable to identify the remains at the time because of the limitations of forensic technology available in the early 1980s.

It wasn't until 2012 that advances in DNA testing allowed the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner to identify the remains as Jeanne Overstreet, bringing her family long-awaited answers about what had happened, but not who was responsible.

More than a decade later, detectives say the investigation remains active.

As part of the renewed effort, the Cold Case Homicide Unit is sharing Jeanne's photograph in hopes it will spark memories or generate new leads from people who may have information, no matter how small it seems.

Investigators have not released details about potential suspects or the circumstances surrounding Jeanne's death. Anyone with information is urged to contact Tucson police or submit an anonymous tip through 88-CRIME.

More than four decades after Jeanne disappeared, detectives hope someone who knows what happened will finally come forward.