1957 Ridolph,Maria December 3,1957, Sycamore

[oldies4mari2004]

http://www.charleyproject.org/cases/r/ridolph_maria.html

Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance

Missing Since: December 3, 1957 from Sycamore, Illinois
Classification: Endangered Missing
Age: 7 years old
Distinguishing Characteristics: Brown hair.
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A tan jacket, black corduroy slacks, a black and white checked shirt, black and white shoes with zipper fastenings, and brown socks.


Details of Disappearance

Ridolph was last seen playing with an eight-year-old female friend near the friend's home in the west side of Sycamore, Illinois at approximately 7:00 p.m. on December 3, 1957. A man rode up and introduced himself at Johnny and offered them either a ride in his vehicle or a piggy-back ride (accounts differ). Ridolph's friend told the man to wait until she went home to get some mittens. When the friend returned, Ridolph and the unidentified man were gone.
One of Ridolph's dolls was found lying on the street near where she and her friend had been playing, over an hour after her disappearance. A pair of girl's black corduroy slacks was also found, but Ridolph's parents said the slacks were not hers. Investigators stated they had searched the area thoroughly and found nothing of interest, then the doll was discovered lying in plain sight. They believe the doll may have been placed where it was found after the search was conducted.

No ransom note was received and Ridolph's presumed abductor has never been identified. Her case remains unsolved.



Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
DeKalb County Sheriff Office
404-294-2554



Source Information
The Doe Network
Newspaper Archive



Updated 1 time since October 12, 2004.

Last updated June 8, 2006; casefile added.

Charley Project Home

Attached Image

[PorchlightUSA]

another pic

Attached Image

[oldies4mari2004]

http://z10.invisionfree.com/usedtobedoe/in...opic=7244&st=0&

[PorchlightUSA]

http://www.cityofsycamore.com/City%20Counc...es/cc081902.pdf (http://www.cityofsycamore.com/City%20Council/2002%20Minutes/cc081902.pdf)



SYCAMORE CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR MEETING

MINUTES OF AUGUST 19, 2002

Presentation of Bronze Plaque to Frances I. Ridulph, Chuck and Diane Ridulph, Patricia (Ridulph) and Bill Quinn, Kay (Ridulph) and Lawrence Hickey. This plaque will be mounted on a permanent masonry base outside the Municipal Building and will replace the memorial that has been mounted on the building in honor of the memory of Maria Elizabeth Ridulph. Maria was kidnapped on December 3, 1957 while playing near her home and was found murdered in the spring of 1958. The original memorial, and this new memorial, honors her memory and the compassion of those law enforcement professionals and local residents who reached out to the family during their tragic experience.

Administrator Nicklas explained that for many years the Municipal Building had featured a memorial to a tragic time in our Community’s history. He said the memorial was in honor of Maria Ridulph who was kidnapped from her home on December 3, 1957 and found murdered in the spring of 1958. Mr. Nicklas said that about a year ago he opened conversation with the Ridulph family to provide a more lasting and fitting memorial that told the story of Maria Ridulph’s kidnapping and how the community rallied to search for her.

Mayor Swedberg read the plaque that will be placed on a pedestal in front of the Municipal Building.

Chuck Ridulph thanked the City for the tribute and remembrance to his sister.