Minnesota Fisherman Helps Solve 1967 Cold Case

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A Minnesota fisherman may have helped bring closure to a nearly six-decade-old missing persons case after discovering a submerged vehicle in the Mississippi River, authorities said.

Brody Loch, who was fishing in the Sartell area last weekend, detected the car using his sonar equipment. He told CNN affiliate WCCO that the discovery was a matter of luck. “It was 100 percent luck. If my buddy hadn’t caught that walleye, we would have kept floating down the river and never would have found it,” Loch said.

Three days after the initial spotting, divers located the vehicle, inside of which human remains were found, according to Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka. Officials confirmed that identification efforts are underway to verify the remains.

“Based on the human remains, items found in the car, and verification of the vehicle identification number, the Sheriff’s Offices believe this to be Mr. Benn,” the statement said.

The remains are believed to be those of Roy Benn, a businessman from Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, who disappeared at the age of 59. Benn was last seen dining at King’s Supper Club north of Sartell. His wife had passed away the previous year. Despite extensive searches at the time, Benn was declared legally dead in 1975.

Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck noted that the department had received tips over the years, but none had led to conclusive results. “We believe there’s a strong indication that this is Roy Benn’s vehicle, and those are likely his remains,” Heck told CNN. “We’re just grateful that we may finally have gotten the break needed to bring closure to this family.”

The discovery provides not only answers for Benn’s family but also serves as a reminder of the persistence and cooperation required in long-running missing persons investigations. Authorities emphasized that forensic analysis by the medical examiner will provide definitive identification of the remains.

Local law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Benn’s disappearance, though officials said there are no immediate indications of foul play beyond the unresolved nature of the cold case. “We will continue to follow up on any leads and ensure that all available information is thoroughly reviewed,” Soyka said.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety highlighted the role of community involvement in aiding law enforcement investigations. The case demonstrates how ordinary citizens, such as fishermen and hobbyists, can make significant contributions to solving longstanding mysteries.

Authorities have encouraged anyone with information related to cold cases to come forward, emphasizing that even decades-old tips can be vital in providing answers to families who have waited years for closure.

The discovery of Benn’s vehicle marks a turning point in one of Minnesota’s longest-standing missing persons cases, offering hope to the family that decades of uncertainty may soon be resolved. Law enforcement officials expressed cautious optimism as they await final identification results and prepare to update the family accordingly.