Vermillion teens died in a car crash, cold case closed

Authorities announced Tuesday that the two Vermillion girls who went missing in 1971 died in a car crash.

Attorney General Marty Jackley said at a press conference Tuesday that Cheryl Miller and Pamela Jackson died when their vehicle ran off the road on the way to a party in Union County.

The vehicle was reported to have been in third gear, one of the tires was damaged and the keys were in the ignition. Jackley said the tire damage may have indicated a blowout.

The Attorney General said there is no evidence of foul play, and that the remains of the girls will be returned to their families.

The 1960 Studebaker Lark was found near Brule Creek in September. The case had at one point been considered a homicide until charges were dropped against the accused man.

The families of the teens declined to speak at the press conference, but released a statement that their “journey is done.”

Photo: AP File Photo