PA PA - Cherrie Mahan, 8, Cabot, 22 Feb 1985

[Richard]

CHERRIE ANN MAHAN Missing: Feb 22, 1985 Cabot, PA

CHERRIE ANN MAHAN
DOB: Aug 14, 1976
Missing: Feb 22, 1985
Age at time: 8
Age Now: 28
Sex: Female
Race: White
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Height: 4'2" (127 cm)
Weight: 68 lbs (31 kg)
She has pierced ears
Missing From: CABOT (near PITTSBURGH), PA, United States
Non-Family Abduction

Cherie was last seen getting off the school bus about 100 yards from home on 22 February 1985. At exactly 4:05 PM she turned and waved good-bye to three school mates who had gotten off the bus with her. They waved back and she circled around the bus so that she could get to her driveway. She never made it up the driveway to her house.
One mother was parked in front of the bus, waiting to pick up her child. She happened to look up and see Cherrie in the rearview mirror. She watched Cherrie take a second to straighten her clothing as she got off the bus.
She adjusted her brown Cabbage Patch earmuffs decorated woth long hair, rearranged her blue book bag, which had two straps with a cream-colored top and a blue and red heart. When Cherrie walked out of view, she was wearing a gray coat over a blue denim skirt, blue leg warmers, and ankle high beige boots that her mother had helped her put on that morning.
At that moment, the watching mother got a brief glimpse of a dark green or blue van. On the side of the van was a painting of a large snow-capped mountain. In the middle of the picture was the figure of a skier in a red and yellow ski outfit racing down teh mountain. The mother noticed that the driver of the van was also wearing ski clothes.
Police files indicate that a bright blue 1976 Dodge van with a mural of a mountain and a skier may be involved in her disappearance.

Pennsylvania State Police - Missing Persons Unit

link:
http://www.missingkids.com/missingk...aseNum=601805&orgPrefix=NCMC&searchLang=en_US

 

[Trino]

It is so unreal that a young girl could disappear so fast within sight of her parent. She could have had her name changed and could have been raised by someone else, but the fact that a ski/mountain scene was on the van seems more of a guy thing. What about Ted Bundy? Did he ever go after kids? As I recall, he killed many young women, some that he had forgotten about.

It's been nearly 20 years since this child disappeared. Just hope that there is someone out there with a conscience.

 

[Richard]

Actually the mother who last saw Cherrie was the mother of one of the other children who had ridden the bus with her. Cherrie's own mother was waiting for her at the house, just up the driveway. She heard the bus arrive and then leave, and was expecting Cherrie to walk in the door, but she never did.
Ted Bundy by this time was incarcerated in Florida awaiting a date with the electric chair. Most of his victims were young women in their late teens and early 20's. But his last victim was a little girl named Kimberly Leech, who was only 12 years old.

 

[goneinasecond]

I was born and raised near where this girl went missing. We are the same age and I still remember this when I was a kid. This still haunts me to this day. I hope she isn't forgotton. Here a bump for Cherrie.

 

[tuppence]

The van sounds so unusual it seems crazy that it was never identified - of course, I'm sure the owner painted it over. Still someone out there must have been familiar with the van. It seems likely it was from out of town.

 

[Richard]

February 22nd (a Tuesday) will be the 20th anniversary of this little girl's disappearance. Think of her on that day. I wonder if any newspapers or TV stations will review her story.

 

[goneinasecond]

February 22nd (a Tuesday) will be the 20th anniversary of this little girl's disappearance. Think of her on that day. I wonder if any newspapers or TV stations will review her story.

If I knew how to bring it to their attention I would gladly do so.

It seems that someone out there in the world would remember such an usual van. I wonder if this case was on the news nationally back then if someone would of seen this van and she would of been found.

She's in my thoughts in prayers.

 

[Richard]

The van sounds so unusual it seems crazy that it was never identified - of course, I'm sure the owner painted it over. Still someone out there must have been familiar with the van. It seems likely it was from out of town.

The Pennsylvania State Police made composite sketches of the Van seen near the site of Cherrie's disappearance. The van appears to be a 1974-76 Dodge cargo van, dark green or blue in color, which was somewhat "converted" with a small porthole type window in the rear side. A snowy mountain scape was painted on the side. Just forward of the rear tire (left side shown) is a painting of a skiier in red and yellow clothing racing downhill. The watching mother stated that the driver was also wearing ski clothing.

 

[goneinasecond]

bumping for Cherrie

seen her on the news this morning. I hope that my email to the local stations helped in some way.

its been 20 yrs tommorrow

 

[tybee204]

Dicussion thread

01-31-2005, 11:02 AM
Usher737
Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 39

This is terrible but I think the lack of attention is due to belief in a terrible rumor that started about 6 months after she vanished. Police believed but could not prove that the step-father sold her to someone who took her overseas.

I personally do not believe this or have heard any kind of proof about this. Other than the van there is no clues as to who took her.


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#9 01-31-2005, 11:26 AM
Jeana (DP)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard
Actually the mother who last saw Cherrie was the mother of one of the other children who had ridden the bus with her. Cherrie's own mother was waiting for her at the house, just up the driveway. She heard the bus arrive and then leave, and was expecting Cherrie to walk in the door, but she never did.
Ted Bundy by this time was incarcerated in Florida awaiting a date with the electric chair. Most of his victims were young women in their late teens and early 20's. But his last victim was a little girl named Kimberly Leech, who was only 12 years old.


Absolutely horrifying for this parent! I took a year off not too long ago to see if my kids and I would like it better than me working (we did not, so I went back part time after that year). Anyway, they rode the bus home from school, so I'd go out and wait for the bus and walk them home. I was the ONLY parent there. Shocking!!!!!
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#10 02-01-2005, 09:59 AM
goneinasecond
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Usher737
This is terrible but I think the lack of attention is due to belief in a terrible rumor that started about 6 months after she vanished. Police believed but could not prove that the step-father sold her to someone who took her overseas.

I personally do not believe this or have heard any kind of proof about this. Other than the van there is no clues as to who took her.


I was a child myself when this happened. My mother and I were talking about this the other night and she remembered the rumors. She said she believed the parents did it. She couldn't remember why though. Thats when I came here looking for information about her. Its sad to hear these rumors if they aren't true.............. but in today's day nothing seems too far fetched.

I sent her information to the Pittsburgh local tv channels. I sent them a link and told them her 20 yr mark is coming up Feb. 22. I doubt they will touch on it but we can always hope right.
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#11 02-01-2005, 12:41 PM
Richard
Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 262

The Van

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by tuppence
The van sounds so unusual it seems crazy that it was never identified - of course, I'm sure the owner painted it over. Still someone out there must have been familiar with the van. It seems likely it was from out of town.


The Pennsylvania State Police made composite sketches of the Van seen near the site of Cherrie's disappearance. The van appears to be a 1974-76 Dodge cargo van, dark green or blue in color, which was somewhat "converted" with a small porthole type window in the rear side. A snowy mountain scape was painted on the side. Just forward of the rear tire (left side shown) is a painting of a skiier in red and yellow clothing racing downhill. The watching mother stated that the driver was also wearing ski clothing.


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#12 02-03-2005, 04:29 AM
meggilyweggily
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It seems to me like Cherrie's abduction was not a random thing. I don't think the perpetrator necessarily knew her, but I think he stalked her for days or weeks before he kidnapped her. I don't think anyone could just "happen along" and grab her in such a rural area, when she was so close to home.


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#13 02-03-2005, 10:21 AM
goneinasecond
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does anyone know if the parents were ruled out?
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#14 02-03-2005, 01:30 PM
Usher737
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The mother was but I do not think the step father was.


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#15 02-21-2005, 12:12 PM
goneinasecond
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bumping for Cherrie

seen her on the news this morning. I hope that my email to the local stations helped in some way.

its been 20 yrs tommorrow
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#16 Yesterday, 02:05 PM
prncssq8
Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005
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Quote:
Originally Posted by goneinasecond
I was a child myself when this happened. My mother and I were talking about this the other night and she remembered the rumors. She said she believed the parents did it. She couldn't remember why though. Thats when I came here looking for information about her. Its sad to hear these rumors if they aren't true.............. but in today's day nothing seems too far fetched.

I sent her information to the Pittsburgh local tv channels. I sent them a link and told them her 20 yr mark is coming up Feb. 22. I doubt they will touch on it but we can always hope right.

I lived 10 minutes away from where it happened. I was 8 years old when it happened. I remember everything. I would never rule out her mother and step father. They seem genuine but her mother spent the next days in the bars and it was rumored that her step father was talking to a guy in the area about how little kids were worth a lot of money.


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#17 Yesterday, 04:05 PM
goneinasecond
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I was 7 years old when this happened and remember it vividly. I hope and pray they didn't hurt that little girl. I have the same feeling about the mother. When I seen her on the news last night I got the feeling she wasn't genuine at all. I heard the same rumor as you. I'm about 20 minutes from where she was from.
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#18 Yesterday, 11:40 PM
meggilyweggily
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I don't think you should trash Cherrie's parents like that. They have not been named as suspects, nor have I seen any indication from authorities that her disappearance is anything other than an abduction. Think how Cherrie's mom and stepdad would feel reading this, if they were innocent.
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#19 Today, 10:29 AM
goneinasecond
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your right, if they are innocent. I have full respect for the INNOCENT.


everyone entilted to their own opinion. Even if you don't agree.
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#20 Today, 01:17 PM
Jeana (DP)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by meggilyweggily
I don't think you should trash Cherrie's parents like that. They have not been named as suspects, nor have I seen any indication from authorities that her disappearance is anything other than an abduction. Think how Cherrie's mom and stepdad would feel reading this, if they were innocent.


We've never felt it was a good idea for family members to read these forums. Our posters rarely mean any harm by what they post, but we ARE here to discuss everything - the good, the bad and the ugly. Let's allow posters to do so.
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#21 Today, 01:20 PM
Usher737
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I can not believe it has been 20 years. Most newspapers and television stations in the Pittsburgh area did cover her story yesterday!


I think it is ok to talk about ALL possibilities in this case but in the new discussion thread. This is information and support so in case family members come here to read.

Discussion can be a very good thing; generate ideas, compare notes, etc.. It could even bring new information to light!


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#22 Today, 01:25 PM
Usher737
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Also, PA state police got a new lead! Someone reported the name of someone who owned a van like the one described at that time. They were going to look into it but said would probably be a dead end.

I personally think the van is the key to cracking the case wide open!


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#23 Today, 01:55 PM
goneinasecond
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Lets just hope this time this new lead turns out to find this child. All we can do is hope.

On a positive note on the parents....... They donated over 50,000 to the missing childrens network to help in aid for other missing children back in 1996.

Also if these parents were busy selling their kid why did they wait 13 yrs to declair her dead when they could of in 7 yrs if they wanted money so badly. She had money in a trust fund because of a car accident. When they did declair her dead they took her money and put it into a trust for her younger brother. Just something to think about...... I'll remember this girls picture for the rest of my life.
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[Usher737]

Just speculating: If they needed cash right away so the parents sold her, then they did not need the cash from Cherrie's savings account and their guilt made them wait and then give it to the brother.

Also possible the step-father acted alone.

I just find it odd that this blue van picked her bus to follow which happened to lead to an isolated road with only 1 parent at the stop.

 

[meggilyweggily]

The Pennsylvania State Police made composite sketches of the Van seen near the site of Cherrie's disappearance.

I have sketches of the van here: http://www.charleyproject.org/images/m/mahanvan.jpg and http://www.charleyproject.org/images/m/mahanvan2.jpg

 

[Richard]

By JOE MANDAK
The Associated Press
http://javascript<img src=&quot;ima...0,screeny=100,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes');

PITTSBURGH - The nation deals with its missing children differently since 8-year-old Cherrie Mahan stepped off a school bus 20 years ago, never to be seen again.

Cherrie was the first of about 1,200 missing children who have been pictured on postcards now mailed to millions of homes with advertising circulars. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, then in its infancy, has since become part of the national crime-fighting establishment. And Amber Alerts are a part of the national vocabulary.

That progress - and the belief that somehow, somewhere, Cherrie is OK - is what keeps Cherri's mother going these days.

"I don't know that I will ever accept it," said Janice McKinney, 44, of her daughter's abduction on Feb. 22, 1985. "It's just that the good Lord gave me enough faith to know that he's protecting her and ... that someday I will know" what happened to her.

State police have few new leads in Cherrie's disappearance from Winfield Township, a rural community about 20 miles north of Pittsburgh.

"We like to try to get the information out, back into the public's mind on the anniversary," said Trooper Jonathan Bayer. "Hopefully, it might jar people's mind about every little bit of information they might think is insignificant, but is not."

In southwestern Pennsylvania, even perfect strangers know the basics of Cherrie's story, which is rehashed every five years or so in newspapers and on TV news.

Cherrie, a third grader, got off her school bus just after 4 p.m. The driver of a car saw her get off the bus and saw a blue or green van with a distinctive paint scheme nearby.

Because it was a nice day, Cherrie's stepfather, LeRoy McKinney, told police he had let her walk a short distance home after he heard the bus. When she didn't show up 10 minutes later, he said he went to the bus stop and saw tire prints - but no Cherrie.

Bayer said the latest lead in the case came from someone who contacted the missing children's center, claiming to know who may have owned a van like that at the time. Police were running down that information Monday; many similar leads in the past have turned into dead ends.

In the meantime, police and other agencies try to keep the case - and Cherrie's face - in the public eye.

Many Americans have never heard of Advo Inc. But they know all about the white postcards the Windsor, Conn.-company sends out along with advertising circulars to some 85 million homes in its partnership with the FBI, the U.S. Postal Service and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Cherrie was the first child pictured on one of the company's "Have You Seen Me?" cards, which have reunited 136 children with their families.

"We were honored by the Smithsonian Institution (at its U.S. Postal Museum) a year ago last October and Cherrie Mahan's mom came because she's so sold on our program," said Advo spokeswoman Mary Lou Dlugolenski. "To have her be there to recognize our program, and yet Cherrie is still out there missing, of course it tugs at the heart strings."

Cherrie's grandmother, Shirley Mahan, 77, is the tax collector in nearby Clinton Township and plans to retire after her current term. She didn't plan to run again before Cherrie disappeared, but is in her seventh term because she says the work has kept her mind off of Cherrie. When she's not collecting taxes, she makes dish towels that she gives away as gifts - also to help keep her mind off Cherrie.

"I would just dearly like to know if she's alive or dead," Mahan said....

February 22, 2005 5:27 AM

Link:
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/1-02222005-453686.html

 

[prncssq8]

I wasn't trying to trash her parents, but unless you lived in that area and you heard everything that the people were saying and how they were reacting you wouldn't understand. I lived in that area. I was in the area when it happened. My school bus was followed by police cars for the next three or four weeks after the kidnapping. I go past her driveway now and still get chills. Cherrie's life is and was precious and the bottom line is something or someone took that away from her. The truth is deserved. I simply stated that I feel the mom and step dad know more than they are leading on. Agreed that IF they had nothing to do with it then I whole heartedly apologize. But I can't get rid of the "gut" feeling I have. There are always two sides of the story. I apologize if I offended anyone, but again we are all entitled to our opinions.

 

[shadowangel]

Time to ask for help, 'specially from those of you into internet research. A few years ago, I ran across Cherrie's case on the MPCCN website. When I read the description of the van, the bells and whistles starting going off...At the time, I was checking out a lot of sites dedicated to the "urban exploration" (teens and twenty-somethings who take pictures of old, abandoned buildings) of NJ. On one of those sites, I had seen an abandoned van VERY similar to the one described. It was blue or blue-green, had a mural on the side, and had been abandoned for a while. It was found near an abandoned factory, or warehouse...I strted searching the sites again but never found the pic. By then, MPCCN had shut down and I could not find the young girl's name or story. While checking into missing/unidentified females near I-80 for another thread, I came across Cherrie's story on the Doe Network. If anyone cares to help, the site was similar to sites such as Lost Destinations, or The Unquiet Tomb...There are several sites such as these, and they have a LOT of pics...I would just like to find the pic and put my mind at ease....

 

[gagesmom314]

The Unquiet Tomb has been checked and nothing was found as far as a van was concerned. Some really cool pictures though!!

 

[Richard]

Customized Vans were very popular throughout the 1970's and into the early 1980's. There is a magazine dedidcated to Custom Trucks (that might be the title, but I do not recall for certain) which depicted a lot of customized vans from that era. If anyone has access to a collection to that magazine, Perhaps that particular custom paint job - or one like it might be seen.

 

[CaliKid]

I live in So. California. At the time Cherrie went missing, it seemed every other van on the roads had some kind of mural painted on its side.

 

[shadowangel]

Cabot is just north of Pittsburgh, and I was born and raised in WV not far from there-a van like that should have stood out. Not all that common (the Bigfoot 4x4 would have been more at home). My first thought after reading the thread on Cherrie was the really popular ski areas in north WV like Canaan Valley and Snowshoe.
I don't know if the van I saw has ANYTHING to do with Cherrie, but when I saw it on the website I thought it was so odd that the van was on a website dedicated to abandoned buildings
Unfortunately, the town is easily accessible by I-79 and I-80, anyone could have hit one of those highways and been far south or in NJ/NY in a matter of hours
I have some of the webmasters of the more popular UE sites looking for me, too

 

[bykerladi]

*bump* Its been a while - any new news?