The Unsolved Disappearance of Cherrie Mahan: She Mysteriously Vanished After Dropping From a School Bus in Pennsylvania
The mysterious disappearance of Cherrie Mahan remains one of the most haunting unsolved missing persons cases in Pennsylvania.
Despite exhaustive investigations by the Pennsylvania State Police and national attention, her fate remains unknown.
What happened to Cherrie Mahan?
This is her story—a chilling tale of a young life cut short and a search for answers that continues to this day.
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| Cherrie Ann Mahan |
Who Was Cherrie Mahan?
Born on August 14, 1976, in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, Cherrie Ann Mahan was a bright and lively child who charmed everyone around her.
Raised by her mother, Janice Mahan, and stepfather, LeRoy McKinney, she grew up in a loving household in rural Winfield Township, Butler County.
Cherrie attended Winfield Elementary School and was known for her bright smile and friendly personality.
She was adored by her peers and doted on by her family.
Her mother, Janice, often spoke about their close bond, sharing: “We were always together. She was my life.”
Their home life was stable, and by all accounts, Cherrie was a happy, well-adjusted child excited about life.
At the time, Cherrie's family had just relocated to Cornplanter Road in Winfield Township, where they hoped to build a better life.
Tragically, this new start would soon take a devastating turn.
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| Cherrie Ann Mahan and her mother |
How Did Cherrie Mahan Disappear?
On February 22, 1985, a routine school day became a nightmare for Cherrie Mahan and her loved ones.
That Friday, she was excited about a planned playdate with her mother after school.
At approximately 4:10 pm, Cherrie exited her school bus alongside three friends near Cornplanter Road.
After waving goodbye to her friends, she began the short 150-yard walk uphill to her house.
A distinct bluish-green van, believed to be a 1970s Dodge with a skier mural on the side, was seen parked near the bus stop.
Witnesses, including a neighbor, observed Cherrie Mahan passing this vehicle before she mysteriously disappeared.
Her stepfather, LeRoy, recalled hearing the bus stop nearby and planned to meet her, but her mother said, “No, it’s a nice day. Let her walk.”
Ten minutes later, her family grew concerned when Cherrie didn’t arrive.
A frantic search ensued, but no trace of her—except suspicious tire marks near their driveway—was found.
Cherrie Mahan was gone.
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| Cherrie Ann Mahan |
The Investigation and Search
The local police department launched an intensive search involving bloodhounds, helicopters, and hundreds of volunteers combing through the terrain.
Detectives from Pennsylvania State Police worked tirelessly to follow leads, interviewing neighbors and examining potential suspects.
Despite these efforts, Cherrie’s disappearance remained shrouded in mystery.
Family and friends raised $39,000 in reward money for any information that could help in finding Cherrie Mahan.
It was later increased by a local business to $49,000 but no credible tips emerged.
In an innovative move, Cherrie became the first missing child featured on mass-distributed “Have You Seen Me?” postcards, which were mailed to thousands of households across the U.S.
However, as months turned into years, leads dwindled.
One promising lead was the van seen near the bus stop.
Witnesses reported it had been repainted black shortly after Cherrie’s abduction.
Another tip described a blue car following the van, but neither Cherrie nor the vehicle was ever located.
Over the years, thousands of leads were pursued, but none provided definitive answers.
Investigators have not ruled out foul play and believe the abductor was likely someone Cherrie knew and trusted.
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| Cherrie Mahan's age progression photo |
Possible Theories
Over the decades, investigators have considered several theories:
1) Abduction by a Known Individual: Authorities believe Cherrie likely knew her abductor, as there were no signs of struggle.
2) The Mysterious Van: Witnesses reported seeing a bluish-green van with a skier mural near the scene.
This has led some to believe it was a predator who owned the vehicle.
Some claimed it was later repainted black, but the van and its driver were never identified.
3) Connection to Her Biological Father: Cherrie’s mother Janice McKinney, theorized that individuals connected to Cherrie’s biological father might be involved, though he was cleared.
4) Foul Play: An anonymous letter received in 2018 detailed who might have killed Cherrie, why, and where her remains could be found. This lead remains under investigation.
Latest Updates on Cherrie Mahan’s Disappearance
In 2011, a tip suggested knowledge of the “specific actor or actors” involved, though details remain confidential.
In 2018, Janice received an anonymous letter detailing who killed Cherrie, their motive, and where her body was supposedly buried.
Unfortunately, this lead did not result in a resolution.
Despite extensive searches and numerous claims over the years from individuals claiming they are Cherrie, including a recent case that prompted a renewed police investigation, her whereabouts remain unknown
The Pennsylvania State Police continue to receive tips on Cherrie Mahan's unsolved disappearance.
Her case remains one of the most heart-wrenching cold cases in Butler County
Her family holds annual remembrance events, clinging to the hope that one day the truth will emerge.
As Janice McKinney said in 2019, “I just wish someone would come forth and tell me what happened.”
The community remains steadfast, believing that even the smallest tip could finally solve this tragic mystery.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police to help solve this decades-long mystery.
For updates on this case, stay tuned to our blog or subscribe to our free email newsletter.
Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS immediately.
You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous.
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