MURDERED: Jonelle Matthews — The Cold Case Behind the Girl on the Milk Carton

Written By Alexandra Kern

Five days before Christmas in 1984, 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews returned to her home in Greely Colorado after a school concert and vanished without a trace.

No forced entry. No struggle. Just footprints in the snow behind the Matthews home. 

Her disappearance quickly gained national attention, becoming one of the first cases featured in the milk carton campaign. And for nearly four decades, the investigation remained frozen, shaped by shifting stories and stalled leads. That is, until nearly 35 years later, when Jonelle’s remains were discovered more than 20 miles from her home.

And all signs pointed to a man whose involvement only grew stranger as he continued placing himself in the center of the investigation long before anyone suspected him.

TW: This episode includes discussion of crimes against children and sexual violence, and potentially distressing circumstances. Listener discretion is advised.

Episode Source Material

Witness Accounts, Interviews & Statements

  • KTVB News. “Full Interview with Former Idaho Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Pankey.” Boise, Idaho. Video interview. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.ktvb.com

  • Greeley Police Department. Search Warrant Affidavit in the Death of Jonelle Matthews. Weld County, Colorado. Accessed October 1, 2025. (Referenced via court filings and reporting; document excerpts reproduced in multiple news sources.)

  • “Missing Girls’ Parents Meet to Share Tips.” Associated Press. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://apnews.com

Modern Analyses, News Coverage & Media Reporting

  • “Former Candidate for Idaho Governor Investigated in 1984 Colorado Cold Case Killing.” Associated Press. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://apnews.com

  • “1984 Greeley Cold Case Given New Life as Former Idaho Gov. Candidate Comes Under Investigation.” Denver Post. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.denverpost.com

  • “After Haunting Colorado for Three Decades, There Is New Hope in the Jonelle Matthews Case.” Denver Post. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.denverpost.com

  • “Jonelle Matthews Investigation: Chronicling the 34-Year Search for Missing Greeley 12-Year-Old.” Greeley Tribune. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.greeleytribune.com

  • “Jonelle Matthews Disappearance Anniversary: Timeline of Events.” 9News Denver. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.9news.com

  • “Greeley Police Taking a New Look at Jonelle Matthews Case.” Denver7. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.denver7.com

  • “FBI Weighs In on How Child Abduction Investigations Have Changed Since Jonelle Matthews’ Disappearance.” CNN. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.cnn.com

  • “Jonelle Matthews Discovery Provides Closure for Family, but New Chapter Is Only Just Begun.” USA Today. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.usatoday.com

  • “Family Hopes for Answers in Colorado Girl’s Death.” CBS News. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.cbsnews.com

  • “25 Years After Greeley Girl Vanished, No Clues.” Greeley Tribune. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.greeleytribune.com

  • “Greeley Girl’s Disappearance Still a Mystery After 25 Years.” Rocky Mountain News. Accessed October 1, 2025. (Archived via Denver Public Library and newspaper databases.)

  • “After a Girl Vanished in 1984, Ronald Reagan Pleaded for Help. Her Body Was Finally Found.” New York Times. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com

Books, Documentaries & Podcasts

Websites & Online Databases

Alexandra Kern https://Darklyspeakingpodcast.com
Previous

THE TERRIFYING TALES OF: Dark Christmas — Old World Origins & Winter Folklore
Next

THE TERRIFYING TALES OF: Silent Night Horror — Chilling Encounters in the Dead of Winter