For nearly 40 years, the disappearance of 8-year-old Cherrie Mahan has haunted Pennsylvania. In February 1985, she stepped off her school bus on Cornplanter Road in Butler County—and vanished. A mysterious blue-green van with a skier decal was the only clue, and Cherrie was never seen again.
Private investigator Steve Ridge, a retired officer, recently reignited the case. A new witness came forward, claiming to have overheard a man confess to abducting Cherrie in the 1980s. That man—convicted sex offender William Montgomery—lived across from Cherrie’s grandparents. Ridge believes Montgomery, along with two now-deceased relatives, may have been involved.
Just two weeks ago, Ridge and the volunteer group Cherrie’s Angels brought cadaver dog teams to search private land tied to the suspects. In a stunning moment, both dogs alerted on the exact same spot, a location also referenced in a prior tip.
Due to rough terrain, excavation is delayed until fall. But hope is rising.