Riverside CA unsolved cold case of Sara Kay Keesling, 12
In October 1988, the body of 12 year old Sara Keesling was found partially buried under a pile of trash on a hillside in Rubidoux. Despite the obvious attempt to conceal her remains, her manner of death was ruled undetermined and not a homicide. For almost 40 years her case has been unsolved.
Sara was a student at Longfellow Elementary and Jefferson Elementary in Riverside. At the time of her death she had just started the 7th grade at Sierra Middle School. Her death received very little attention, and there was no effort made to pressure the Riverside Sheriff’s Office into further investigation.
Her body was found October 13, 1988, two weeks after her mother reported her missing to police, telling them that she believed Sara ran away because she didn’t like her father. Sara and her siblings were to have court visitation with her father the weekend she disappeared, and Sara refused to go, seeking safe harbor at a friend’s house instead.
Does anyone remember Sara or details about her family and friends? If so, please contact the Riverside Regional Cold Case Homicide Team at 951-955-0070.