On March 7, 1979, nine-year-old Katherine Harlan, known as Kathy, was abducted while walking to her school bus stop in North Highlands, California. She was last seen leaving home at about 7:30 a.m. for her regular school day and never arrived at the bus stop or school. Authorities began a search after her disappearance was reported.

Four days later, on March 11, Katherine’s body was recovered in a drainage ditch in a remote area of Sutter County, roughly 15 miles from her home. She had been killed, and investigators concluded her body had been transported to that site after death. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office believes the location may have been chosen by someone familiar with the area.

The investigation faced significant challenges, including a lack of leads and witnesses willing to come forward, and although detectives have explored possible links to other unsolved cases, no one has been charged. Detectives say they are still pursuing leads and the Sheriff’s Office has asked anyone with information to come forward. If anyone knew Katherine or has information about that morning or the remote location where she was found, please share what is known.