Kristin Noel David, a senior at the University of Idaho, was just 22 years old when she disappeared on a bright summer day in 1981 while cycling along a secluded highway in Idaho.
Her dismembered body was found nine days later, floating in the Snake River. The remains were wrapped in newspaper and placed in plastic bags, scattered by the river’s flow.
More than four decades later, questions remain about whether the aspiring journalist was the victim of a serial killer.
On the day David went missing, multiple witnesses reportedly saw the same suspect interacting with other female cyclists or pedestrians, according to the FBI.
Stewart believes modern advances in DNA technology can “breathe life” into murder cases that are 40 years old.
“In the past, investigators relied on fingerprints and instincts. Today, advancements in DNA technology, digital evidence databases, and genealogy tracing can bring new insights to even the coldest cases. Evidence that once lay dormant now holds new potential. With these tools, a case as old as Kristin’s can still be resolved,” he mentioned to Fox News Digital.
“Modern techniques have helped solve decades-old cases nationwide. Whether it’s reevaluating a key piece of evidence or a new tip from the public, Kristin’s case has the possibility of being solved.”
The seal of the FBI at the J. Edgar Hoover FBI building in Washington, D.C., March 10, 2025. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
Despite decades passing, the case remains open. On the 40th anniversary of her death, the FBI Salt Lake City appealed for help.
The FBI believes there are still people from the community who have not come forward with information that could help solve the case.
At a press conference in June 2021, FBI Salt Lake City Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Zach Schoffstall stated that the case is not considered “cold” and that public help is still needed in the investigation.
“Let me be clear: at this time, Kristin’s murder is not a cold case. It’s not going away, and we are dedicated more than ever to solving it. But we need your help,” he said.
“Today, we are renewing our call for the public’s assistance. We believe there are members of the community, whether they remain local or not, who haven’t yet come forward with information that could help solve this case. If you haven’t talked to law enforcement about what you know, please come forward now,” he said. “No tip is too small or insignificant.”
Anyone with information is urged to visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the FBI Salt Lake City for comment.
