Deceased/Not Found PA - Lonene Rogers, 29, deaf, Hayfield Township, 7 Jan 1981 *husband confesses*

[Diavola]

This might be the first time I see a husband confess out of the blue (unless he felt like they were closing in on him).
I hope he reveals the location of her body and they find her soon too.

 

[Nina Michigan]

I am so happy for Alison. All of her hard work paid off!! #believe

 

[abbyrdpsu]

Criminal docket

 

[CCJD]

Clinton Rogers admitted to killing Lonene. He was taken into custody and has been charged with Criminal Homicide and related offenses. He is now incarcerated within the Indiana County Jail.

The Case of Missing Woman Lonene Rogers Finally Solved

The missing persons case from 1981 involving Lonene Rogers has been solved after almost 44 years. Lonene was reported missing by her husband Clinton Rogers, who later confessed to her

www.erienewsnow.com

 

[Darling136]

@Bounceycat thank you for this update!

I have to admit, i did not think that he will confess, so good to hear this.

 

[PGHJW]

I'm surprised that the Pittsburgh news stations haven't latched onto this. I had heard nothing until a bit ago when I did a random cold case news search.

 

[TwinkieDefense]

Dec 1, 2025 article

Over 40-year-old cold case solved after man admits to killing wife: Police

State police reported that a murder case from 1981 has been solved.

www.newsnationnow.com

 

[Bounceycat]

A post last night from Lonene's daughter about today's preliminary hearing:

Justice for Lonene | It's the night before the BIGGEST day my mother's case has ever experienced | Facebook

It's the night before the BIGGEST day my mother's case has ever experienced. Tomorrow is the Preliminary Hearing for the monster that brutally took her from this Earth. I have so many emotions......

www.facebook.com

"It's the night before the BIGGEST day my mother's case has ever experienced. Tomorrow is the Preliminary Hearing for the monster that brutally took her from this Earth. I have so many emotions... anger, anxiety, but for the 1st time in my life, NOT fear. This man never had control over me. I was a wild horse he could never tame, and that hasn't changed. He took my mother from me, beat me, abandoned me - but he never broke me. I look forward to watching him walk into that courtroom tomorrow in shackles and handcuffs, as I stand tall and proud as LONNIE'S DAUGHTER. I told ya not to underestimate me! Love is way stronger than hate.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow!! I'll update when I can. The hearing starts at 1:30. If you are able to attend, I'd love to hug ya! If you are sending love... I send it right back! We are giving my sweet mother the love and peace she has always deserved."

 

[Bounceycat]

https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/clinton-rogers-man-accused-of-killing-wife-in-1981-waives-preliminary-hearing/

In November, 76-year-old Clinton Rogers of Saegertown allegedly admitted to state police that he choked his wife to death in January 1981, giving possible closure in a decades-long cold case.

And while her father didn’t enter a plea on Wednesday, (Clinton and Lonene's daughter) said she would like him to spend the rest of his days behind bars.

 

[Unalienable Rights]

Interview with Lonene's daughter by Marni Hughes, Newsnation., December 12, 2025. It is included in the "Missing" broadcast and it starts around 8:40.

 

[Diavola]

After listening to the interview, it seems he only confessed because he didn't want to be homeless at his old age.
Not like I expected him to suddenly grow a concience. I hope they find her body.

 

[Bounceycat]

From "Justice for Lonene" group on Facebook run by her daughter:

Justice for Lonene | A little UPDATE.. | Facebook

A little UPDATE... There will be a formal arraignment hearing on January 9, 2026. Bud will not be in attendance, only his lawyer. I believe the lawyer presents how he plans to plea to a magistrate....

www.facebook.com

A little UPDATE...
There will be a formal arraignment hearing on January 9, 2026. Bud will not be in attendance, only his lawyer. I believe the lawyer presents how he plans to plea to a magistrate. It is then formally filed.

He was offered a plea deal of 10-20 years and a 2nd degree homicide and aggravated assault charge. **I know this sounds RIDICULOUS for MURDER, but I am very aware that he is a 76 year old man in failing health. I doubt he will live 10 more years, but if he does I will be at that parole hearing explaining why he should NEVER be released.

If he accepts the plea and pleads guilty, we move right to sentencing and I think the process moves a little faster.

I've been warned that there is a chance that the public defender will encourage him to plead not guilty to offer him more time for discovery and planning. He can always change his plea at any time. If he pleads not guilty this will mean we will indeed go through a trial process and that will take many months just for the 1st court date.

Now we wait.