Police put out the call for information in death of teen 51 years ago this weekend

The body of Karen Caughlin was found in a shallow ditch by a gravel sideroad northwest of Petrolia on March 16, 1974 (Source: OPP)

Ontario Provincial Police are putting out the renewed call for new information in the tragic death of a 14 year old 51 years ago.

Karen Caughlin was last seen in the early hours of March 16, 1974, when she was dropped off on Brock Street South in Petrolia Ontario, in front of her girlfriend’s house.

The following morning, her body was found in a shallow ditch on the gravel Plowing Match Road between Churchill Line and Lasalle Line, just a few miles northwest of Petrolia.

Although police have made many public appeals in the years since, the person or people responsible have not yet been identified.

“On behalf of Lambton County OPP, I would like to thank the public for their continued support with this investigation,” said Inspector Chris Avery, Commander, Lambton County OPP. “Even after 51 years, information is still being received on this case. Our investigators diligently follow every tip.”

Police say that in 2017, new information revealed that Karen’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Investigators believe that her body was moved from where Caughlin was struck, to where she was discovered.

Police continue to seek information relating to her death, and a $50,000 reward is available.

In specific, police are looking for anyone that may have discussed attending or hosting a social gathering in Petrolia after going to Rose Gardens roller skating rink the day before Karen was last seen alive.

Additionally, police hope to hear from anyone with information about a motor vehicle collision in the Petrolia area, or visible damages sustained on a vehicle in the area around that time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lambton OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).