Excavation expands in Cheryl Scherer cold case, no evidence found yet

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

BENTON, Mo., (KBSI) — The Scott County Sheriff’s Office continued excavation efforts Friday in connection with the 1979 disappearance of Cheryl Scherer.

Investigators spent the day expanding the dig area at the identified site. Additional cadaver dog teams were brought in to search through excavated soil piles. Authorities said the dogs continued to alert in close proximity to the excavation area, prompting investigators to widen the search.

As of the latest update, no evidence related to Scherer’s disappearance has been located. However, officials said additional areas still need to be excavated and examined.

Sheriff Derick Wheetley said the work is being conducted carefully and methodically to ensure nothing is overlooked, describing the location as one of the strongest leads in the case in at least a decade.

The sheriff’s office said it will continue searching the area until investigators are confident it has been fully examined or until evidence is located. Officials also renewed their request for anyone with information, no matter how minor, to contact investigators.

Weather conditions slowed progress Friday. If conditions remain favorable next week, authorities said operations at the site could conclude.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.