Mississippi River Fisherman Uncovers Potential 1967 Cold Case Clue

Shawn

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Post on Aug 18, 2025

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Mississippi River Fisherman Uncovers Potential 1967 Cold Case Clue

A routine fishing trip on the Mississippi River has unexpectedly yielded a potential breakthrough in a decades-old cold case. A Vicksburg, Mississippi fisherman, Dale Bartlett, made a startling discovery last week – an object potentially linked to the 1967 disappearance of young Clara Belle Smith. The case, which has haunted the community for over five decades, may finally be seeing a glimmer of hope.

The discovery, made near the confluence of the Yazoo River and the Mississippi, immediately sparked renewed interest from local law enforcement and the FBI. Bartlett, a lifelong resident of Vicksburg, recounted finding a corroded metal box partially submerged in the mud. Inside, he discovered several personal items, including a tarnished silver locket engraved with the initials "C.B.S." – remarkably similar to the initials of Clara Belle Smith, who vanished without a trace in 1967 at the age of 18.

The Clara Belle Smith Disappearance: A Brief Overview

Clara Belle Smith's disappearance on July 14th, 1967, remains one of Vicksburg's most enduring mysteries. She was last seen near the riverfront, reportedly heading towards a small dock frequented by local teenagers. Despite extensive searches at the time, no trace of her was ever found, leading to widespread speculation and numerous unsubstantiated theories. The case went cold, filed away amongst countless other unsolved mysteries.

The Fisherman's Discovery: A Potential Breakthrough

The discovery of the metal box and its contents has reignited hope for a resolution. The locket, though heavily corroded, remains identifiable, and forensic investigators are currently analyzing it for fingerprints and DNA. Other items recovered from the box include several faded photographs and a small, leather-bound diary, the contents of which are currently being carefully examined.

"It's like something out of a movie," Bartlett stated in an interview with local news. "I never expected to find anything like this. I just hope it helps bring some closure to the Smith family."

Law Enforcement Involvement and Next Steps

Vicksburg Police Department, in conjunction with the FBI's Cold Case Unit, has launched a full-scale investigation into the potential link between the discovered items and Clara Belle Smith's disappearance. They are currently appealing to the public for any information, however small, that might shed light on the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Vicksburg Police Department or the FBI tip line.

The investigation is focusing on several key areas:

• Forensic Analysis: The locket, photographs, and diary are undergoing thorough forensic examination to extract any usable evidence.
• Witness Interviews: Police are re-interviewing individuals who were living in Vicksburg in 1967 and may have relevant information.
• Riverbed Search: A more extensive search of the riverbed in the vicinity of the discovery is underway.

This renewed investigation represents a significant development in a long-dormant case. The discovery underscores the enduring power of hope and the unpredictable nature of cold case investigations. The possibility of solving this decades-old mystery brings a renewed sense of urgency and determination to uncover the truth behind Clara Belle Smith's disappearance.

Further Reading: [Link to a relevant article about cold case investigations]

Call to Action: Do you have any information about the Clara Belle Smith case? Contact the Vicksburg Police Department immediately. Your tip could be the key to solving this decades-old mystery.