Victor Jackie Theel, a six-year-old boy, disappeared on September 5, 1944, after attending his first day of school in Paynesville, Minnesota. His mother had sent a note asking an older sibling to collect him at lunchtime, but the teacher allowed Jackie to walk home alone after saying he knew the way. He never arrived and a massive search followed.

Bloodhounds tracked his scent along a winding path to the Crow River and on to Highway 23, where the trail ended. Witnesses later reported seeing a boy matching Jackie’s description near the highway and some claimed to have seen a child get into a gray car, though none of those sightings were confirmed as Jackie. Extensive searches by volunteers, Boy Scouts and the Civil Air Patrol turned up no substantial clues.

Over the years rumors and unverified leads surfaced, including a claim in the 1960s of a man resembling Jackie seen in California, but police records from the original investigation were lost and no solid evidence emerged. Jackie’s large family was profoundly affected and his siblings have continued seeking answers. Does anyone have family memories or information that could help finally close this case?