Sharon Pretorius – 6 of Diamonds, Ohio

One September day in 1973, 13-year-old Sharon left her home to run a quick errand, an errand she’s run dozens of times before. But that day would be different. And for the last 50 years her family and investigators have put all their hope and energy into trying to determine what happened in just a 90 second window after she walked out the door.

Sharon Pretorius unsolved card - 6 of Diamonds

Courtesy of Miami Valley Crime Stoppers

Episode Info

If you know anything about the disappearance or murder of 13-year-old Sharon Pretorius in September of 1973, or if you’re a detective who’s worked a similar case, please call the Dayton Police Department Cold Case Unit at 937-333-7109.

To apply for the Cold Case Playing Card grant through Season of Justice, visit www.seasonofjustice.org.

13-year-old Sharon Pretorius.

13-year-old Sharon Pretorius. Courtesy: Dayton Police Department
Undated photo of Sharon Pretorius and her sister, who’s face has been blurred.

Undated photo of Sharon Pretorius and her sister, who’s face has been blurred. Courtesy: Dayton Police Department.
Sharon and her siblings.

Sharon and her siblings. Courtesy: Dayton Police Department
Map of Sharon’s paper route, her family home, and where a woman was seen struggling with a man.

Map of Sharon’s paper route, her family home, and where a woman was seen struggling with a man. Courtesy: audiochuck staff.
The Pretorius family home as it stands today.

The Pretorius family home as it stands today. Courtesy: audiochuck staff.
Verdell, the woman who currently lives at the Pretorius family home. She purchased the house from Sharon’s mother, MaryCarol. Verdell keeps Sharon’s cold case playing card at her house in the common area, as a reminder of the young life lost far too soon.

Verdell, the woman who currently lives at the Pretorius family home. She purchased the house from Sharon’s mother, MaryCarol. Verdell keeps Sharon’s cold case playing card at her house in the common area, as a reminder of the young life lost far too soon. Courtesy: audiochuck staff.
Sharon age-progressed to 50 years old.

Sharon age-progressed to 50 years old. Courtesy: Dayton Police Department
Sharon Pretorius.

Sharon Pretorius. Courtesy: Dayton Police Department

Episode Source Material