View KPTV's story on this Cold Case.
On December 16, 1976, 17-year old Sharon Ryan was making cookies at her sister’s house in the 2400 block of NE Flanders. Sharon realized that there were no eggs at her sister’s house and that she needed some for the cookie recipe. She told her sister that she was going to walk to a nearby store to buy eggs and would be right back. She never returned.
When Sharon had not returned in about a half-hour, her sister became alarmed and began to search the neighborhood with her husband. After searching for approximately one-and-a-half hours, they called the police and made out a missing report on Sharon. Sharon’s sister told the police that Sharon was a high school senior at Grant High School, was very reliable and had never done anything like this before.
On December 18, 1976, friends and family of Sharon Ryan again searched the area and a friend found an egg carton and broken eggs in a parking lot near Sharon’s home. Sharon’s body was subsequently found in an isolated, grassy area next to the parking lot and had been partially covered with plant material. Portland Police responded to the scene and an autopsy revealed that Sharon had been sexually assaulted and died from homicidal violence.
Witnesses may contact Cold Case Homicide Unit investigators directly at (503) 823-0400. To remain anonymous, witnesses may provide information through Crime Stoppers of Oregon.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters can remain anonymous.
Information about this case or any unsolved felony crime may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500.
Information learned from social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube should be shared as these tips may lead to the identification of a suspect or suspects. Links can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Submit an anonymous tip:
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Online at https://www.p3tips.com/823
Call 503-823-HELP (4357).