Beverly Ann Ward, a 13-year-old African American girl, disappeared from her home in Junction City, Kansas, on July 4, 1978. She was last seen in her bedroom, where she had been sleeping in a green nightgown. A friend of Beverly's was also staying over, sleeping in a separate bed in the same room. In the early morning hours, a commotion occurred outside the house when a brick was thrown through a neighbor's window, waking up much of the neighborhood. Beverly’s family and her friend gathered by the front door to investigate, initially assuming Beverly was with them. However, after the disturbance, they realized Beverly was missing.
Upon searching her room, it was discovered that the window screen had been cut and removed, found about ten feet away from the house. None of Beverly's personal belongings, including $12 she had been saving for summer camp, were taken. It is believed that she was abducted between 3:00 and 5:00 a.m. that morning. Despite extensive investigations by local law enforcement and the FBI, no fingerprints or other significant evidence were found at the scene. Beverly's family was never considered suspects, and foul play is strongly suspected.
Beverly’s case has remained unsolved for decades, and little information has surfaced that could provide answers. She was 4'8" to 5'0" tall, weighed around 54 to 60 pounds, and had distinguishing features such as a partial extra finger on her hand and several moles on her face. Efforts to find her or determine what happened that night continue, with law enforcement agencies still open to receiving tips.
Last Seen: Jul 4, 1978
