On November 12, 1974, Caren Wurst, a 3-year-old girl, and her mother, Doris Wurst, 34, were reported missing from their home in Plantation, Florida. Their disappearance was from a residence in the now-defunct Sunshine City Trailer Park located at 13411 NW 2nd St. At the time of their disappearance, Doris Wurst's 1961 Chevrolet Impala was also unaccounted for.
Despite numerous efforts to locate them, including reopening the case multiple times in 1977, 1988, 1992, 1994, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018, law enforcement was unable to find any leads. The case eventually went cold.
In August 2024, a breakthrough occurred when volunteer search group Sunshine State Sonar discovered what they believed to be the missing vehicle in a canal near the 10100 block of W. Broward Boulevard. A SCUBA dive search revealed skeletal remains consistent with an adult and a child at the site. Items such as a Fisher Price toy were also found, adding to the evidence.
The Plantation Police Department confirmed that the remains and items are believed to belong to Doris and Caren Wurst, but the identification is pending verification via DNA and dental records. The next of kin have been contacted regarding the likelihood that the remains of their loved ones have been located.
This discovery has brought hope to the family and may finally provide closure to a 50-year-old cold case.Last Seen: Nov 7, 1974
