Tips sought in 50-year-old death investigation: Lambton OPP

Lambton OPP are renewing a call for tips into the death, 50 years ago, of Sarnia’ teenager Karen Caughlin.

Lambton OPP are renewing a call for tips into the death, 50 years ago, of Sarnia’ teenager Karen Caughlin.

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The 14-year-old’s body was found March 17, 1974, on Plowing Match Road outside Petrolia. She was last seen alive early the day before.

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OPP have issued a call for information every year since her remains were found on the rural Lambton County road between Churchill and LaSalle lines.

Police continue to receive tips and investigate every one, Lambton OPP Insp. Chris Avery said in a news release.

New information in 2017 revealed Caughlin’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle and that her body had been moved from where it was struck, police said.

Caughlin, the youngest of six children in a Sarnia family, went with a friend to the Rose Gardens roller skating rink on the evening of March 15, 1974, police said.

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She’d arranged to stay overnight with a friend who lived near her Brock Street home.

The girls left Rose Gardens and got a ride with other friends, who dropped Caughlin off at a second girlfriend’s home at 12:50 am March 16.

Police said they want to hear from anyone who may have discussed or hosting a social gathering in Petrolia after attending the skating rink, perhaps the day before Caughlin was last seen alive.

The OPP also want to hear from anyone with information about a collision or vehicle damage in the Petrolia area around that time.

HAS case chronology video has been viewed more than 33,000 times since 2014, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lambton OPP at 519 882-1011, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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