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Identity Of Woman Found Dead In Lebanon County 51 Years Ago Revealed: PA State Police

On Oct. 10, 1973, two game wardens made a grim discovery in a wooded area off Moonshine Road near Ridge and Tomstown Roads in Union Township, Lebanon County. Beneath a plastic tarp and brush lay the decomposed remains of a young woman, Pennsylvania State Police said.

Ruth "Ruthy" Elizabeth Brenneman

Ruth "Ruthy" Elizabeth Brenneman

Photo Credit: Pennsylvania State Police
Ruth "Ruthy" Elizabeth Brenneman bust.

Ruth "Ruthy" Elizabeth Brenneman bust.

Photo Credit: Pennsylvania State Police

For 51 years, her identity remained a mystery.

Now, investigators say they’ve identified her as 14-year-old Ruth "Ruthy" Elizabeth Brenneman, she was about one month away from her 15th birthday, which was Nov. 26, 1958, and was a high school student. She went missing on her way to school, troopers explained at a press conference on Thursday, Nov. 23, at 12:30 p.m. in Lebanon County.

The family thanked the police for giving them closure in a statement. 

At the time of her discovery, the woman was described as a white female with long brown or blonde hair, standing between 5’3” and 5’6” with a thin to average build. Officials were unable to determine her age.

Thanks to decades of investigative work, including advancements in technology and forensic science, police say they have finally uncovered her name.

The revelation is expected to provide closure to one of Lebanon County’s oldest and most haunting cold cases.

The state police continue to ask for tips for information in the case. 

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