DNA testing solves missing person case

August 14, 2007 - Paula Ann Stewart disappeared from her Indiana home in 1980 and - until now- her family never knew for certain what happened.

In 1980, there was no DNA technology. When a body was found that could be Stewart's, her family identified the bathing suit top, which was similar to the one she was wearing when she disappeared. A few months ago, Stewart's sister called police and asked them to try again for something more definite.

"In 1980 I was 13 years old and when you're that age, you think you're going to have your sisters forever," said Sherry Vitaniemi, Stewart's sister.

On June 29, 1980, Stewart, 15, disappeared from her Hobart, Ind., home after a day on the beach with her boyfriend. Six months later, a body was found in a cornfield near 104th Avenue and Colorado. There was no way to identify her, so the body was buried in an anonymous grave in a Merriville cemetery.

"Without DNA, we would have had what we had back in 1980-- which was a missing person," said Lt. Leo Finnerty, Hobart Police Dept.

Police reopened the case a few months ago after Vitaniemi called them. The body was exhumed for DNA testing. Those results positively identified Stewart.

"I figured the worst that could happen-- is that it couldn't be her. It couldn't hurt to try. She was never forgotten," said Vitaniemi.

Identifying Stewart's body is only half of the mystery. Officials do not know what led to her disappearance. Further DNA testing is underway to try to determine the cause of death. Stephen Rettig was in charge of the case until he retired.

"There hasn't been a day go by since I started this case that I have not though of her and who did what to her, who was the despicable person who threw her onto the side of a road from a vehicle," said Rettig.

While the case is being reactivated, that no longer matters to Stewart's sister.

"I wanted her. That's all I've ever wanted. If her case is never solved, that's the least part of it. Knowing you've had them come home that is the biggest hurdle," said Vitaniemi.

After police identified Stewart, they immediately picked up someone for questioning. That individual was released pending further investigation. Detectives said they are talking to anyone who was connected with Stewart and are asking the public for help.