Unsolved: The Tragic Kidnapping and Murder of Amy Mihaljevic

In 1989, the small town of Bay Village, Ohio, was shaken to its core when 10-year-old Amy Mihaljevic was kidnapped and murdered. The case remains one of the most infamous unsolved murders in Ohio's history, with a trail of clues and suspects that have led investigators on a decades-long quest for justice.

Photo: Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office 

The Disappearance and Murder

Amy Mihaljevic was last seen on October 27, 1989, at the Bay Square Shopping Center in Bay Village. She had been lured there by an unknown individual who had contacted her by phone, claiming to want to buy a gift for her mother. Her body was found on February 8, 1990, in a field in Ruggles Township, Ashland County.

Drawing of Amy’s missing earrings and boots
Photo: Bay Village Police Department 

Olive Green Homemade Curtain found near Amy’s remains. Photo: Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office 

Investigation and Leads

The Bay Village Police and FBI conducted an extensive investigation, generating thousands of leads and interviewing dozens of suspects. In 2006, new information emerged about similar phone calls made to other young girls in the area, which led investigators to suspect that the killer may have been targeting victims through a local nature center. In 2013, investigator Phil Torsney reopened the case, and in 2021, a new suspect emerged, identified by a former girlfriend who reported suspicious behavior at the time of the kidnapping.

Photo: Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office 

New Developments and Suspects

The latest suspect, a 64-year-old man, was implicated by his former girlfriend, who claimed he was absent from their residence at the time of the kidnapping and made suspicious statements. His DNA was collected, and he failed a polygraph test. Investigators also found items of interest in a storage facility and collected DNA evidence.

Aftermath and Legacy

Amy's mother, Margaret McNulty, co-founded the Community Fund for Assisting Missing Youth to educate children about stranger danger. Though she passed away in 2001, her legacy lives on through the continued efforts to solve the case. The FBI offers a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Amy's killer.

Conclusion

The murder of Amy Mihaljevic remains a painful reminder of the darkness that exists in the world. As investigators continue to pursue justice, the community remembers Amy's life and legacy. If you or someone you know has information about the case, please contact the FBI or Bay Village Police Department.