In the late summer of 1972 the Peak family of Grand Island, Nebraska, was brutally attacked in their home. On September 9, 14-year-old Barbara Peak was found shot in the head alongside her parents, retired Army Colonel William Peak and his wife Bernice. Barbara and William were dead at the scene; Bernice survived for two months and before she died was able to indicate that more than one person was responsible for the attack.

Investigators found no signs of a struggle and no evidence Barbara had been sexually assaulted. Robbery appeared unlikely: William’s wallet and credit cards were recovered outside the home, wiped clean of fingerprints. William was discovered with a lighter in one hand and a cigarette beneath him, suggesting he was lighting it when the assault occurred. Authorities examined possible links to Colonel Peak’s military service and followed local leads, including reports of a mysterious car, but no arrest was made.

Who entered the Peaks’ home that night and why remains unresolved. Anyone with memories of the family, the neighborhood in 1972, or the unusual car seen in the area is urged to come forward.