Reward offered in 40+ year Saratoga Springs cold case

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — The Saratoga Springs Police Department has announced that the family of Sheila Shepherd, whose maiden name was VanNess, is offering a $50,000 reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to the identification and arrest of the person responsible for her death. Her case has gone unsolved for over 40 years.

Police say Sheila was last seen on November 23, 1980, in downtown Saratoga Springs before missing school for several days. She was found dead in her apartment two days later on November 25.

The investigation began immediately, but police report that the interviews and evidence collected have yielded few leads. The police have a theory that the person or people responsible for her death knew her personally.

Anyone with any information on this case that could lead to the identification or arrest of the person responsible is strongly urged to contact Saratoga Springs at (518) 584-8477 or tips@saratogapolice.org . Those with information can choose to remain anonymous.

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