Mary Jenkins, aged 16, and her sister Maggie Jenkins, aged 18, were found dead in a wooded area of Key Largo, Florida, on May 3, 1973. The sisters, originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, had been hitchhiking back to their parents' home in New Jersey after a trip to Key West. Their journey, meant to be a carefree break, ended in tragedy when their bodies were discovered by a man walking his dog. The investigation revealed that both girls had been shot multiple times and appeared to have been sexually assaulted. Their bodies were found covered with sticks and leaves, indicating an attempt to conceal the crime.
The case quickly became a challenging investigation for the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. Detective Mark Coleman, who took over the case years later, noted that the transient nature of the Keys in the 1970s made it difficult to track down suspects. The sisters were last seen hitchhiking near Mile Marker 5 on Route 1, a road that links the scattered coral islands with the mainland. Witnesses reported seeing them with their luggage, but they vanished shortly after. The isolated location where their bodies were found further complicated the investigation, as it provided the perfect cover for the perpetrator to dump the bodies and flee.
Despite extensive efforts, the case remained unsolved for decades. Investigators preserved evidence, including specks of male DNA found on the sisters' bodies. However, the DNA was highly degraded, making it challenging to link to a suspect. Detective Coleman expressed hope that advancements in forensic technology might eventually provide a breakthrough. The case was revisited multiple times, with investigators re-examining evidence and resubmitting it to the lab in hopes of finding new leads.
The Jenkins sisters' murders left a lasting impact on their family and community. Their older sister, Sarah Jenkins Barlow, recalled the close bond she shared with Mary and Maggie. The family struggled with the loss and the unanswered questions surrounding the case. Over the years, the case attracted attention from various media outlets, highlighting the ongoing efforts to solve the mystery. Despite the passage of time, the determination to find justice for Mary and Maggie Jenkins remained strong, with investigators and family members continuing to seek answers.
