Friday, July 25 marked the 50th anniversary of the discovery of 15-year-old Kathy Beatty, located unconscious in a wooded area in Aspen Hill in 1975. The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) hopes to identify new leads and renew public interest in the case.
Beatty’s disappearance
Beatty was reported missing by her family a day earlier on July 24, 1975. The next day, her sister discovered her in a wooded area behind the former Kmart in Aspen Hill. The area, known as “the rocks”, was frequented by local teenagers. Beatty was found unconscious and partially clothed.
She was last seen around 8:30 p.m. at Parkland Middle School, formerly Parkland Junior High, according to Detective Alyson Dupouy. Beatty’s case is the subject of the Cold Case Files podcast recorded by MCPD.
“We know that Kathy left a note for her mom that night saying she went to a friend’s house and that she’d be home around 10 p.m. She never showed up at home. When [her] mom arrived at home at about 11, she sees the note, and Kathy’s not there,” said Dupouy.
“The rocks” no longer exists. The wooded area was developed into condominiums. Detectives pointed out back then the area had a trail running through it and was a common destination for dirt bikers.
“That’s why we’re asking for the public’s help. Maybe someone saw her, maybe a store clerk, maybe someone riding their bike, maybe someone walking their dog, may have seen the direction that she went in or seen her get in a car with somebody,” said Dupouy.
Discovery and death
Investigators found Beatty was sexually assaulted and suffered blunt force trauma to her head from a rock. She never regained consciousness and died eleven days later in the hospital. Despite decades of investigation, detectives never identified a suspect. Before Beatty’s mother’s death, investigators met with her to promise they would seek justice for her daughter.
The podcast series will continue on Voices of Service for additional episodes as MCPD reveals more about the victim and her death.
Police plan to release new evidence in order to inspire interest in the case. MCPD encourages anyone with information about the case to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website and click the link at the top of the page, or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous. MCPD offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
