Twelve-year-old Cheryl Denise Taylor disappeared from Picher, Oklahoma, on the evening of July 20, 1978. Sent to Martin’s Supermarket a short walk from home, she was last seen standing across the street from the store between 7:15 and 7:30 p.m., wearing yellow shorts and a sweatshirt and barefoot. Cheryl had red or auburn hair, blue eyes, and sometimes wore a patch over one eye.

Early inquiry considered that Cheryl might have run away; she had talked about leaving and about possibly going to stay with an older sister in Galena, Kansas. Investigators checked with the sister and her husband, who said they had not seen or heard from Cheryl. Family reports describe a troubled home life after a recent move to Picher, but also portray Cheryl as happy-go-lucky and friendly, leaving her motivations unclear.

Over time the runaway theory faded and suspicion of foul play grew. Cheryl’s case is linked in time and place to other unsolved disappearances and murders in the Picher area. Karl Myers has been named as a person of interest in connection with some local cases; he was never charged in Cheryl’s disappearance. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Ottawa County District Attorney’s Office continue to seek answers.

If anyone knew Cheryl, saw her that night, or has information about her whereabouts, can you share what you know?