Riverside Police Continue 1966 Cold Case Investigation
Authorities remain actively investigating the 1966 murder of 18-year-old Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Riverside police continue to pursue the investigation into the 1966 murder of 18-year-old Cheri Jo Bates. The victim was discovered in an alleyway near Fairfax Avenue and Terracina Drive on October 31, 1966.
Why it matters
The case remains a significant cold case in the Riverside area as the investigation into the incident on the Riverside City College campus continues. Investigators are working to resolve the long-standing mystery surrounding the victim's death.
Riverside police have identified a primary person of interest in the case, yet no arrests have been made. The investigation remains open with insufficient evidence to proceed with formal charges.
The players
Cheri Jo Bates
She was an 18-year-old victim whose death on the Riverside City College campus in 1966 remains an unsolved cold case.
Riverside Police Department
This is the local law enforcement agency currently handling the ongoing investigation into the 1966 homicide.
The details
Cheri Jo Bates was last seen visiting the Riverside City College library on October 30, 1966, after leaving a note for her father. Her body was discovered the following morning after her father contacted police when she failed to return home.
Timeline
October 30, 1966: Cheri Jo Bates visited the Riverside City College library.
October 31, 1966: The victim's body was discovered.
October 30, 2026: The 60th anniversary of the murder case.
Legal Context
The investigation into the 1966 murder of Cheri Jo Bates serves as a long-standing point of reference for cold case protocols in Riverside. This case follows the pattern set by decades of cold case police work in the city.
The ongoing nature of this investigation keeps the case in the public consciousness for Riverside residents. Authorities encourage community engagement as they continue to review the historical incident.
The takeaway
Cold case investigations rely on long-term record maintenance and the potential for new information to arise decades later. The persistence of local authorities highlights the enduring commitment to resolving historical crimes.
Further reading
For more information on local investigations, visit the Law Enforcement section.
More information
To provide information or learn more about the status of the investigation, contact cold case unit.
