Ruth Elizabeth Brenneman Identified After 51 Years

The remains of 14-year-old Ruth Elizabeth Brenneman, missing since 1973, were identified by Pennsylvania State Police over 50 years after they were discovered concealed under a tarp in Lebanon Township. Genetic genealogy played a crucial role in confirming her identity, and her remains had previously been exhumed for further analysis in 2016. Ruth was last seen leaving for school at the beginning of the 1973 school year, and the cause of her death remains undetermined, with investigators noting suspicious circumstances surrounding her remains. State police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and understanding her life and associations could provide vital leads. Her family expressed gratitude for the closure this identification has brought after decades of uncertainty. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Pennsylvania State Police.