Disappearance of Amelia Zelko (US)
Amelia "Molly" Zelko, managing editor of The Spectator newspaper, disappeared on September 26, 1957, in Joliet, Illinois, after her car was found abandoned with her shoes placed unusually. As of June 19, 2026, new information from 1978 revealed a bartender saw Zelko making two long-distance calls shortly after she left work on the day she disappeared. The Joliet Area Historical Museum submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the FBI on May 15, 2025, for unredacted files, and construction crews began excavating Stryker Avenue in June 2024, reigniting speculation that her remains might be discovered there, following former reporter Lonny Cain's 2022 claims based on three deceased witnesses.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 1 developments
Podcast Series Launched for Amelia Zelko's 1957 Disappearance Case
A new podcast series titled 'The Spectator' launched in July 2026, aiming to introduce Amelia Zelko's 1957 disappearance to a new audience. Produced by the Joliet Area Historical Museum and Joliet Public Library, the podcast releases new installments weekly. The case remains open, and authorities are still seeking information.
June 2026 — 1 developments
New Witness Detail Emerges in 1957 Disappearance of Amelia Jo Zelko
A bartender reported seeing Amelia Jo Zelko at his bar shortly after she left work on September 25, 1957, where she made two long-distance phone calls. This information was not reported until 1978, 21 years after her disappearance.
May 2025 — 1 developments
Joliet Area Historical Museum requests FBI files on Molly Zelko disappearance
The Joliet Area Historical Museum submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the FBI, seeking unredacted files related to Molly Zelko's 1957 disappearance. This marks a new procedural effort to uncover information about the cold case.
June 2024 — 1 developments
Construction crews began excavating Stryker Avenue in June 2024, reigniting speculation about Molly Zelko's remains.
Construction crews began excavating Stryker Avenue in June 2024 to install new technology, reigniting speculation that Molly Zelko's remains might be discovered there.
September 2022 — 2 developments
Lonny Cain presents new information suggesting Molly Zelko's body buried under Stryker Avenue
Former reporter Lonny Cain presented new information suggesting Molly Zelko's body might be buried under Stryker Avenue in Joliet, based on details from three now-deceased witnesses who reportedly saw a body being buried.
Lonny Cain Presents New Evidence on Molly Zelko Disappearance at Museum Event
On the 65th anniversary of Molly Zelko's disappearance, the Joliet Area Historical Museum hosted an event where journalist Lonny Cain presented new evidence supporting a theory about her case.
June 2021 — 1 developments
Witness claims seeing four men bury woman near Amelia Zelko's home in 1978
A witness reportedly claimed in 1978 to have seen four men burying a woman's body near Amelia Zelko's home on the day she disappeared.
January 2021 — 2 developments
Joliet Area Historical Museum Hosts Virtual Roundtable on Molly Zelko's Disappearance
The Joliet Area Historical Museum hosted a virtual roundtable discussing Zelko's unsolved disappearance, building on information from their podcast "The Spectator: Who Killed Molly Zelko?".
Joliet Area Historical Museum and Public Library release podcast on Molly Zelko disappearance
The Joliet Area Historical Museum and Joliet Public Library released 'The Spectator: Who Killed Molly Zelko?', a podcast series investigating her disappearance.
October 2019 — 1 developments
Robert F. Kennedy participated in searches for Amelia Zelko
Robert F. Kennedy participated in searches for Amelia Zelko. Police initially believed she was kidnapped, but no ransom note was ever received.
September 1957 — 2 developments
Zelko's managing editor reported missing after car found with shoes left behind
Zelko's managing editor called the police when she did not show up for work. Her car was found parked outside her residence with the keys under the front seat, and one of her shoes was on the trunk while the other was on the ground. She had previously told friends that she would take off her shoes if she were ever in trouble to make it easier to run.
Newspaper editor Amelia Zelko disappears after leaving office late at night
Amelia 'Molly' Zelko, a 47-year-old newspaper editor and co-owner of the Joliet Spectator, left her office around 11:30 p.m. after working late. Her home was a three-minute walk away. Neighbors reported hearing screams and a car speeding away between midnight and 12:15 a.m.