Marguerit "Maggie" Jenkins, an 18-year-old Caucasian female, tragically lost her life on May 2, 1973, in Key Largo, Florida. Maggie, along with her 16-year-old sister Mary Jenkins, was last seen hitchhiking back to their parents' home in suburban New Jersey after a trip to Key West. The sisters, who had grown up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, were found dead in an isolated, wooded area of Key Largo on May 3, 1973. Their bodies were discovered about 100 miles from Key West off Route 1, a road that links the scattered coral islands with one another and the mainland.
The investigation revealed that both Maggie and Mary had been shot multiple times and appeared to have been sexually assaulted. Their bloodied bodies were found covered with sticks and leaves by a man walking his dog. The case, which remains unsolved, has been a challenging one for investigators due to the transient nature of the area and the fact that the sisters were hitchhiking, making them easy targets for random strangers who could easily flee.
Detective Mark Coleman of the Monroe County Sheriff's Department has been working on the case for several years. Despite the passage of time, investigators have continued to chase leads and have recently taken a closer look at specks of male DNA found on the sisters' bodies. However, the DNA is very degraded, making it difficult to link to a suspect. The case remains open, with investigators hoping that advances in technology may eventually help solve the mystery of who killed Maggie and Mary Jenkins.
The Jenkins sisters' deaths have left a lasting impact on their family and the community. Their older sister, Sarah Jenkins Barlow, who was 19 at the time of their deaths, has spoken about the close bond she shared with her sisters and the pain of losing them. The case has also highlighted the dangers of hitchhiking, particularly for young women, and serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance.
