Disappearance of Amelia Zelko (US)
Amelia 'Molly' Zelko, a 47-year-old newspaper editor and co-owner known for her anti-corruption and anti-gambling stance, disappeared from Joliet, Illinois, on September 25, 1957. Her car was found with her shoes nearby, and neighbors reported hearing screams. Despite investigations and later witness accounts, her case remains unsolved, and she was declared legally dead in 1964.
Timeline
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May 2025 — 1 developments
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.
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 to install new technology, reigniting speculation that Molly Zelko's remains might be discovered there.
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
Former reporter Lonny Cain presented new information suggesting Molly Zelko's body might be buried u…
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.
On the 65th anniversary of Molly Zelko's disappearance, the Joliet Area Historical Museum hosted an …
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
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.
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
The Joliet Area Historical Museum hosted a virtual roundtable discussing Zelko's unsolved disappeara…
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?".
The Joliet Area Historical Museum and Joliet Public Library released 'The Spectator: Who Killed Molly Zelko?
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. Police initially believed she was kidna…
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 called the police when she did not show up for work.
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.
Amelia 'Molly' Zelko, a 47-year-old newspaper editor and co-owner of the Joliet Spectator, left her office around 11:30 p.
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.