IN IN - Brandie Peltz, 11, Argos, 11 December 1986

[colette]

The lead detective says "The Passerby" got everything wrong but helped bring interest back into the case. Well it sounds like they really don't have a clue who did it. This looks like it will never be solved. ISP is waiting for someone to come forward, give me a break. Maybe they should try testing some old evidence but they probably threw it out or didn't collect in the first place.

 

[Kid Justice]

Seems like the ISP detective only made himself look bad amongst the folks in the community that helped the writer. Very sad indeed. I have faith that there is a larger force guiding the outcome of Brandie's case though. And I do believe she will get the justice she so very much deserves in the near future.

 

[Mrs.bwatkins]

I am from argos. Brandie and i rode the same bus. I think it was a county cop who was stalkin a young lady in the area. She would have never opend the door for a stranger, but she would have for the police. This cop is no longer on the force because of inappropriate actions with a young girl. This also explains the coverup theory. Think about it, i have!

 

[a.allison]

Such a sad case, how can an 11 year old child be murdered and sexually assaulted the way Brandie was and there be no justice for her.

Mrs.bwatkins, was this cop found to be stalking the young lady around the time of Brandie's murder?

I could definitely see a young girl opening the door for police, we're all taught that the police are people we trust, we never think of them as people who could possibly hurt us or be doing something illegal.

 

[Mrs.bwatkins]

Yes he was. He pulled my sister over after following her from the bourbon dairy queen, just to get her number.He was the first person on the scene, not the fireman.

 

[tracytony20]

I am from Argos. There is recent discussion about the case of Brandie Peltz. The people want "Justice for Brandie". We hope the renewed interest will spark some more information, thoughts, or discussions as to what truly happened to this young girl in our small town. Attached is the original news articles that were published shortly after the murder.

 

[colette]

On the eve of Brandie's 39th birthday, a small group gathered to remember her.
A 2008 novel based on the murder called “The Passerby” helped generate some fresh leads when it was published. Police had released no new information based on those leads, but many residents are still holding out for a break in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Indiana State Police, District Investigative Commander : 1425 Miami Highway, Bremen, IN 46506 or call 1-800-552-2959 or 1-574-546-4900.

http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/...ered-28-years-after-her-death--278751191.html

 

[JusticeWillBeServed]

A vigil was held tonight, 29 years since Brandie was murdered.

http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Vigil-planned-Friday-for-cold-case-murder-victim-Brandie-Peltz-361544791.html

An arrest has never been made in the case, but many residents are still hopeful that new information will lead to a break. Police believe Brandie's murderer is still out there, maybe even living among us.

 

[JusticeWillBeServed]

Video link of the vigil.

http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Mourners-host-evening-vigil-for-Brandie-Peltz-361647411.html

Nearly 30 years later, Brandie's family and friends have been waiting for a killer to be caught, and they're still waiting.

“If they think they got away with this in this life, there's a judgment day coming,” Brandie’s aunt Reva said.

“The hope is, with technology today, that something could be brought forth and take care of this matter,” Brandie’s uncle Dennis said.

As candles were lit and passed out Friday evening, Brandie's friend shared some of her fondest memories, including letters and cards they exchanged. Those attending say after 29 years, they can't forget a tragedy that shocked their tiny Indiana town.

 

[rstotler02]

What about telephone records? I know for a fact when people actually had landlines that they kept a record of calls in and out and put them on your phone bill. If calls were being made to the house, why couldn't they subpoena the phone records and see where the call was made from? This would give them insight into who was making the obscene phone calls, thus giving them a suspect to pursue. Even if solid DNA wasn't left at the scene, surely with the telephone cord there was mitochondrial DNA left behind. This would be enough to tie the same person to the murder. The breathing sounds like anger, the person is obviously angry at someone in the household (from what it sounds like it's the mother) and instead of talking he is fuming. He is angry and is letting them know he is worked up. Does it necessarily have to be a man? What about a woman whose husband was cheating with Brandie's mother? There are lots of avenues to go down. I'm just curious if any of these were pursued.

 

[MissMo]

Anyone thought of a possible connection between Brandie's murder and Linda Weldy in LaPorte, IN? Towns are only about an hour from each other.

 

[colette]

It could be possible. Whomever killed the girls would have to know that Brandie was home alone from school and that Linda would get off the bus alone in that spot ( or just happen to be there when she got off the bus). I feel like Brandie's killer was local to Argos and Linda's could have just been a quick opportunity. It's sad that both cases are still unsolved.

 

[Shiressleuth]

Hi am just now finding this thread. Would I be right in saying that the "passerby" passed away last year?
Would/could that make any difference in the investigation of this case?

 

[Shiressleuth]

https://m.facebook.com/groups/76909039315/?ref=group_header&view=group

Here's a link to the Justice for Brandie Peltz Facebook group.
(Allowed as per the rules but if I have misinterpreted, mods please delete)

 

[colette]

Darlene Hulse the woman who was murdered in the same area and time frame has been featured in Michiana unsolved. Brandie's mother has recently passed away never knowing who killed her child. Michiana Unsolved: The Darlene Hulse murder

 

[ghoststeps82]

Yes he was. He pulled my sister over after following her from the bourbon dairy queen, just to get her number.He was the first person on the scene, not the fireman.

Was this the same police officer that was arrested the following month for child molestation?

 

[dotr]

Darlene Hulse the woman who was murdered in the same area and time frame has been featured in Michiana unsolved. Brandie's mother has recently passed away never knowing who killed her child. Michiana Unsolved: The Darlene Hulse murder

Just started thread..

D

IN Thread 'IN- Darlene Hulse, 28, abducted @home by disguised' delivery man', found murdered (blunt force trauma), 6 miles from home,17 Aug;1984, *Sketch/DNA*.'

Aug 15, 2025

rbbm

'Witnesses described the suspect as a white man in his mid to late 20s, between 6 feet tall and 6’2″, with blond hair combed to the side, a long nose and long face. The car was described as a 70s style 4-door, greenish in color with rust, possibly an Oldsmobile or Pontiac.'
August 16 2025

https://www.wane.com/top-stories/isp-asking-for-publics-help-to-solve-1984-cold-case-of-womans-abduction-murder/

'MARSHALL COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) – Indiana State Police detectives are asking for the public’s help to piece together details of a 1984 cold case...

• dotr

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[dotr]

Indiana State Police use new DNA technology to potentially solve cold cases

It has been 41 years since Darlene Hulse was killed. The cold case unit of the Indiana State Police need your help solving such cases.New DNA technology has rap

wsbt.com

Indiana State Police use new DNA technology to potentially solve cold cases

It has been 41 years since Darlene Hulse was killed. The cold case unit of the Indiana State Police need your help solving such cases.New DNA technology has rap

wsbt.com

''One case involved Brandie Peltz. She was just 11 years old when she was killed in 1986 in Marshall County. She was home alone, sick from school and she was found there by a passerby who noticed the second floor of her house on fire.

ISP Detectives are working on cases like Brandie Peltz and Darlene Hulse. But, those are just two of the many open cold cases.

Both cases occurred around the same time and in the same area. One woman was a mother and a wife. The other, a child, whose life was just getting started.''

 

[dotr]

Brandi Peltz 12/11/1986

www.in.gov

Case Number 24-29966​

Case Date: 12/11/1986
Age: 11
Sex: Female
Race: Caucasian
County: Marshall
Location of Offense: Railroad access road approximately 300 feet south of Brick Road in Clay Township
Circumstances:Brandie Peltz, 11 years old, was found dead in her home floating face down in a bathtub full of water. An upstairs bedroom of the residence was set on fire. The cause of death was strangulation. The victim was found by a passerby who noticed the second story of the residence on fire and stopped to see if anyone was inside. Peltz was sick the day the incident took place, and was home alone from school.
Anyone with information concerning any of these cases, please contact:
Indiana State Police
District Investigative Commander
1425 Miami Highway
Bremen, IN 46506
1.574.546.4900 or 1.800.552.2959''