CHARLESTON, Ill. (WAND) — The Coles County Sheriff’s Office has reopened a 50-year-old cold case, investigating the death of Linda Shriver.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, on March 9, 1974, Linda Shriver was seen cruising around Mattoon in her light blue 1969 Mercury Montego. The following day, her body was found under a bridge in rural Coles County.

Shriver had been badly beaten and strangled. She was 23 years old.

Coles County Sheriff Kent Martin says time is running out to solve the case. Law enforcement has received a few tips in the last 50 years, but Martin says time is running out to solve the murder. 

"It's our belief that somebody out there knows something," said Martin. "Our concern is that its been 50 years and that's a long time, memories fade and people leave the area." 

Police report a witness recalled seeing men trying to enter Shriver's vehicle, but the investigation did not result in an arrest.

"We are just trying to get closure for that family," said Martin. "It's been a long time since they lost a child, they lost a sibling. We don't ever want to give up." 

While the Sheriff's Office has put out messages on social media, Martin said the people who are old enough to have this information probably aren't active online. 

The Coles County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public's help in solving this case. Anyone with information regarding this or any other case is encouraged to contact the Coles County Sheriff's Office and speak with an investigator. You can also send an email to coldcases@co.coles.il.us. 

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