Shelly Rae Christian, also known as Shelly Rae Kephart, was reported missing from Minneapolis in October 1993 at age 29. Her disappearance remained unexplained until November 1994, when hunters found skeletal remains in Wright Township, Michigan, nearly 600 miles from her last known location. Investigators determined the remains were those of a homicide victim; for years she was referred to as Matilda while unidentified.

In January 2022 DNA and genealogical testing identified the remains as Shelly Rae Christian. The circumstances of her murder, including who was responsible, remain unsolved and the case is still a cold case. If anyone has information about Shelly’s movements in 1993 or that region in late 1994, contact investigators handling the case.