Elna Maria "Valerie" Peterson

Homicide:
8 YOA
Manson, IA (Calhoun County)
May 6, 1971

Case summary compiled by Jody Ewing

On May 6, 1971, eight-year-old Valerie Peterson was killed by a hit-and-run driver between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. while riding her bicycle in front of the Manson Augustana Lutheran Church. One other girl riding ahead saw a blue-green pick-up truck with two or three men inside traveling north at a high rate of speed. They appeared to have long hair, and the girl believed the truck had some sort of equipment in the flatbed.

The truck had swerved onto the side of the road and did not stop.

Calhoun County Manson, IA, in Calhoun County

Autopsy reports show that Valerie appeared to have flown up in the air after being struck and then hit the truck again on the front or side before striking the ground. The report indicated she probably was killed instantly.

The FBI and CBI suspected one family in particular -- those owning the blue-green truck -- which they went to immediately after the incident. The truck was then sold at Ross Motor in Manson within a week by the suspect family. Paint chippings were taken from the truck prior to the sale.

Initial evidence taken and sent to Washington, D.C. was damaged through testing procedures.

If you have any information regarding this case please call the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department at (712) 297-7583.

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Page last updated: January 24, 2010