Arrest Made in 1986 Cold Case of Missing Modesto Teen: Man Apprehended for Suspected Murder
In a significant breakthrough, authorities have apprehended a man linked to the perplexing disappearance of a teenage girl from Modesto in 1986. The Modesto Police Department recently confirmed the arrest, shedding light on a decades-old cold case that has perplexed investigators for years. This development brings renewed hope to the friends and family of the missing girl, Susan Robin Bender.
The investigation, spanning over three decades, finally bore fruit when law enforcement officials secured an arrest warrant on August 10. Subsequently, the suspect was taken into custody by the local sheriff’s office in Van Zandt County, Texas, at his residence on a recent Tuesday. The suspect, who is currently facing charges of “Murder with special circumstances,” was apprehended due to the persistent efforts of various agencies dedicated to solving the case.
The 15-year-old Susan Robin Bender was last seen entering a green van at the Modesto Greyhound Bus Depot on April 25, 1986, according to records maintained by the California Department of Justice. The abrupt disappearance of the young girl has haunted her loved ones and investigators alike, with numerous questions lingering for decades.
The successful outcome of this long-standing investigation is attributed to the collaborative endeavors of multiple law enforcement bodies. The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, the California Department of Justice, the Texas Rangers, the Rains County Sheriff’s Department, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Department, and retired Texas Ranger John Vance were all acknowledged by the police department for their invaluable contributions.
This arrest not only offers a glimpse of closure for those affected by Susan Robin Bender’s disappearance but also underscores the persistence and dedication of law enforcement in pursuing justice, even in cases that have remained unresolved for years. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community watches with bated breath, hopeful that the truth behind this cold case will finally come to light.
