S12 E13 Justice for Jan - The Bay City Schoolgirl Who Never Came Home

In 1973, thirteen-year-old Jan Marie Rohrer left her Bay City home for a short walk to school and never made it to class. Nearly a year later, her remains were found in the Crow Island Game Area. More than fifty years later, her murder remains unsolved. This episode tells Jan’s story — her life, her family, the search, the investigation, the possible connection to another unsolved death next door, and the call for justice that still echoes through Bay City. If you have information about Jan’s case, contact Bay City Public Safety 989-894-0161 / 989-892-8571 or CrimeStoppers 800-422-5245. Do not post accusations online. Bring credible information to law enforcement. #JusticeForJan #JanMarieRohrer #BayCityMichigan #MichiganTrueCrime #MaliceInTheMitten Hosted and produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan.  Researched and written by Tracy Preston Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston Sound Effects from Uppbeat: Rainfall in Autumn Sources: MLive.com. “Arrest in Bay City Cold Case Doesn’t End Mystery of 13-Year-Old’s Murder in 1973.” MLive, 25 Nov. 2019. Waterman, Cole. “Family in Bay City Cold Case Seeks ‘Justice for Jan.’” MLive, 26 Nov. 2019. Waterman, Cole. “Police Confirm an Arrest Was Made This Year in 1973 Slaying of Bay City Teen.” MLive, 5 Dec. 2018. Waterman, Cole. “Nov. 26 Marks 40th Anniversary of Disappearance of Bay City Girl Later Found Slain.” MLive, 26 Nov. 2013. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Conviction of Bay City-Born John List 19 Years after Killing Family Proves Cold Cases Can Be Solved.” MLive, 29 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: 1973 Slaying of Bay City Teen Is Not Forgotten by Local Police.” MLive, 29 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Bay City Man Seeks Justice for Mother’s Unsolved Slaying and Says He Was Questioned in 13-Year-Old’s Disappearance.” MLive, 28 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Former Bay City Police Detective Shares Theory on 1973 Jan Rohrer Slaying.” MLive, 28 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Neighbor of Slain Bay City 13-Year-Old Met Violent End in Second Unsolved Case.” MLive, 27 Nov. 2012. MLive.com. “Live Chat: Brother of Slain Bay City 13-Year-Old Jan Rohrer to Discuss 39-Year-Old Death Cold Case.” MLive, 27 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Best Friend of Slain Bay City Teen Says ‘It’s Been a Struggle for Me.’” MLive, 27 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Brothers of Slain Bay City Teen Seek Closure in 39-Year-Old Cold Case.” MLive, 26 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Slaying of 13-Year-Old Bay City Girl in 1973 Remains a Mystery Today.” MLive, 26 Nov. 2012. Bay City Department of Public Safety. “Cold Cases.” City of Bay City, accessed 2026.