Her disappearance, once shrouded in mystery and presumed to be a case of foul play, has been resolved through modern investigative techniques and a reevaluation of old evidence.
The Disappearance
In July 1962, Audrey, a mother of two young children, left her home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, to collect her paycheck. She was last seen hitchhiking to Madison with a teenage babysitter, then boarding a Greyhound bus to Indianapolis, Indiana. The babysitter reported seeing Audrey walk away from the bus stop in Indianapolis, and she was never heard from again.
At the time, Audrey was married to Ronald Backeberg, and their relationship was reportedly troubled, with allegations of abuse. Days before her disappearance, Audrey had filed a criminal complaint against Ronald, citing severe physical abuse and threats to her life. Despite this, no protective action was taken, and Audrey went missing without a trace
The Investigation
For decades, Audrey’s case remained unsolved, with numerous leads pursued but no breakthroughs. However, earlier this year, Detective Isaac Hanson of the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office reopened the cold case as part of a broader review of unsolved disappearances. Utilizing modern investigative tools, including DNA databases and genealogy websites like Ancestry.com, Detective Hanson identified a potential connection through Audrey’s sister’s family tree.
This lead led authorities to locate Audrey living in another state. In a phone conversation with Detective Hanson, Audrey confirmed her identity and expressed that she had left voluntarily to escape an abusive situation. She reported that she had remarried and was living a fulfilling life, with no regrets about her decision to leave
The Aftermath
Audrey’s return has been met with mixed emotions. Her children, who were left behind, have expressed feelings of abandonment and confusion. However, Audrey’s decision to leave was a personal one, made in the context of an abusive marriage. Authorities have confirmed that there was no foul play involved in her disappearance, and she was never in danger during her absence
The case highlights the importance of revisiting cold cases with new investigative tools and perspectives. Detective Hanson’s persistence and innovative approach have brought closure to a case that had long been considered unsolvable. It also underscores the critical need for awareness and intervention in cases of domestic abuse.
Ronald Backeberg: A Brief Overview
Ronald Backeberg, Audrey’s husband at the time of her disappearance, passed away in 2006. His role in the events leading up to Audrey’s decision to leave has been a subject of public interest, particularly in light of the abuse allegations. However, with Audrey’s return, there has been no indication that he was involved in her disappearance beyond the reported abusive relationship.
Audrey Backeberg’s story is a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding cases of missing persons, especially those involving domestic abuse. Her decision to leave was a courageous step toward reclaiming her life, and her return offers a rare glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit.