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.
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. Courtesy: Dayton Police Department

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

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. Courtesy: audiochuck staff.

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. Courtesy: audiochuck staff.

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

Sharon Pretorius. Courtesy: Dayton Police Department
Episode Source Material
- Dayton Daily News (Dayton, OH): Family offers reward for information on remains of 13-year-old missing 38 years, by Doug Page.
- Dayton Daily News (Dayton, OH): Newsgirl missing on route via Newspapers.com.
- Dayton Daily News (Dayton, OH): Reward offered for girl via Newspapers.com.
- Dignity Memorial: Marycarol Pretorius.
- The Journal Herald (Dayton, OH): Girl may have been abducted via Newspapers.com.
- The Journal Herald (Dayton, OH): Gone: 13-year-old Sharon and others disappear, often without a trace, by Fred Lawson via Newspapers.com.
- The Journal Herald (Dayton, OH): JH offers a $1,000 reward via Newspapers.com.
- The Journal Herald (Dayton, OH): Police hope Ford will lead to girl via Newspapers.com.
- The Journal Herald (Dayton, OH): Tip on girl missing 3 years fails to give police any clues, by Fred Lawson via Newspapers.com.
- Zillow: 3024 Cornell Dr, Dayton, OH 45406.