More than five decades after an 18-year-old woman vanished in the middle of the night, her death remains one of the most troubling unsolved cases in Cedar Rapids history.
Paula Jean Oberbroeckling had just graduated from Washington High School in 1970 and was beginning to build her future. She worked at Younkers in Lindale Plaza and spent time helping children with disabilities. Those who knew her described her as kind, responsible, and independent.
Disappearance in the Early Morning Hours
According to reports at the time, Oberbroeckling went out on a date the night of July 11, 1970, with her boyfriend, identified as Lonnie Bell. After returning home, the two reportedly argued.
Around 1 a.m., she borrowed her roommate’s car, saying she would be back shortly. She was last seen wearing a light blue dress…