Forty-nine years ago, on March 16, 1974, the body of 14-year-old Karen Caughlin was found in a shallow ditch on a back road in Enniskillen Township, outside the town of Petrolia, Ontario. It has been determined that Karen died from injuries consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle.

Karen was socializing with friends during the evening of Friday, March 15, 1974. After midnight on Saturday, March 16, 1974, she was dropped off at a girlfriend’s house on Brock Street in the City of Sarnia. Karen never entered that residence and was not seen again until she was found later that morning in Enniskillen Township.

A comprehensive review of the evidence found at the crime scene resulted in the development of DNA profile belonging to a male person. DNA belonging to numerous persons of interest have been compared to that crime scene profile and subsequently eliminated through DNA analysis.

Investigators are seeking information pertaining to a social gathering in the Petrolia area on the evening of Friday, March 15, 1974 that Karen had discussed with friends. It is not known if she attended this gathering or where it may have been. Investigators are looking to speak with anyone with knowledge of such a gathering that night in Town of Petrolia or Enniskillen Township.

If you have any information about this crime or the person(s) responsible please call Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.p3tips.com. You will remain completely anonymous and could receive a cash reward if your information leads to solving
this crime.