MOORESVILLE, N.C. — The Mooresville Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation were conducting a search Monday morning in connection with a 2003 missing person’s case.
Bernadette Mildred Rodko was last seen Oct. 16, 2003, on Interstate 77 near mile marker 43.
Authorities have been investigating her disappearance as a homicide and said they have recently developed investigative leads that provide new potential information on where her remains will be found and who might have killed her.
New information was released from the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System that said Rodko was on her way to Mooresville to meet with her foster brother, Chris Kamionnka to settle a financial transaction.
Rodko got a flat tire while making the drive. A lieutenant with the Mooresville Police Department helped her until Kamionnka arrived and changed the flat tire. Rodko has not been seen since that morning, the report says.
Investigators from the Mooresville Police Department and special agents from the SBI conducted a cadaver dog search around Ketchie Drive and East Wilson Avenue in Mooresville.
(RAW: Cadaver dog searches for missing woman in Mooresville)
A forensic unit from Western Carolina University was also on site to help with the search.
Police said Rodko used to have a friend in the area and was known to frequent the house. Detectives said the friend that once lived there has since moved and they are working to track that person down.
Investigators said they hope new leads will help them find evidence or Rodko’s remains.
Police said Rodko's family is hopeful and they expressed their gratitude.
“When you have a missing person case and person presumed dead, it is a very trying emotional time,” said Mooresville Police Maj. Gerald Childress. "After 13, 14 years, they’re very appreciative that we haven't forgotten about her or the family.”
Anyone with information on the disappearance of Rodko is asked to call the Mooresville Police Department at 704-664-3311.
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