Community Corner

1978 Cold Case Remains Open

While investigators did not find new evidence during last week's backyard search, Glendora Police say the case of the 1978 disappearance of Wendy Byron remains open.

Investigators are still pursuing the reopened case of Wendy Byron, the Glendora woman who disappeared in 1978, although no new evidence was found during a backyard excavation in Byron's former residence last week.

Lt. Brian Summers of Glendora Police's Investigations Unit said the case is still continuing, although he would not say how investigators will continue the investigation. 

Byron was a 24-year-old woman who disappeared under "suspicious" circumstances 35 years ago. Her abandoned vehicle was found at Ontario Airport after her disappearance. Investigators at the time suspected foul play, but Byron was never declared dead in the years since her disappearance.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Unit assisted Glendora Police in the investigation last week, focusing on Byron's former residence in the 500 block of Essex St. where she lived with her husband, Robert. For two days, investigators searched the backyard using bulldozers, sonar equipment and cadaver dogs for clues, but found no new leads.

Robert Byron, who has since moved to Covina, declined to comment about the reopened case in his wife's disappearance.

"There is nothing more I want to say that I haven't told the media before," he told Glendora Patch Thursday. "It was a long time ago."

Lt. Holly Francisco of the L.A. County Sheriff's Homicide Division said no new information led investigators to search the backyard. She said Glendora Police decided to revisit old cold cases and asked for assistance from L.A. County Sheriff's.

"We're just looking for new evidence that would help in this investigation," said Francisco on Thursday. She added that investigators are seeking the public's help in providing any information in Byron's disappearance. 


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