Skip to Content

Trial starts in 1984 killing of girl shown on milk carton

Jonelle Matthews
Greeley Police Department
Jonelle Matthews

DENVER (AP) — Opening statements have started in the trial of the 1984 killing of a 12-year-old Colorado girl.

Jonelle Matthews was named by former President Ronald Reagan as one of the first missing children featured on milk cartons across the U.S.

A former neighbor of the girl went on trial Wednesday on murder and kidnapping charges.

Suspect Steve Pankey is a former Idaho gubernatorial candidate.

Steven Dana Pankey

Prosecutors say Pankey’s public statements about the case and strange behavior around the time of the killing prove he’s guilty.

Pankey's lawyer says that the government's circumstantial evidence plus Pankey's overbearing personality and obsession with crime mysteries is not enough to convict him.

Article Topic Follows: Crime Tracker

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content