Cold Case: The unsolved death of Denise Chance

Denise Chance vanished from her Springfield home in January 1985, and her dead body was found more than two months later. As her family and law enforcement officials recently noted the 30th anniversary of her disappearance, here's a look at her case, in photos.

  • Cold Case: Denise Chance

    Chance disappeared from this home on Erter Drive on Jan. 7, 1985.

  • Cold Case: Denise Chance

    Chance's body was found in a drainage ditch along this stretch of Baldwin Lane on March 20, 1985. A man looking for aluminum cans spotted her.

  • Cold Case: Denise Chance

    Dana Daugherty (left), Denise Chance's sister, was 11 when Chance disappeared, and Daugherty's 20-year-old daughter still lives at home because of her protective nature. Linda Phillips, Chance's mother, remembers her for her kindness, evidenced by her work at the I.O.O.F. nursing home.

  • Cold Case: Denise Chance

    Chance is remembered as a quiet and caring soul. "She wanted to get married and have kids," said Linda Phillips, her mother.

  • Cold Case: Denise Chance

    Chance's case remains alive with her family, detectives and the community. "What's unique about this case, a lot of people knew Denise, went to school with Denise, that are now police officers," said Sgt. Jeffrey Flores, head of Springfield's Crimes Against Persons division.

  • Cold Case: Denise Chance

    Chance's mother and sister recently met with Springfield police to attempt to raise awareness about the case as it passed its 30th anniversary. "I don't want to die not knowing," said Dena Daugherty, Chance's sister.

  • Cold Case: Denise Chance

    "I worked 12 years on homicide in Springfield and then I worked for another 12 years with the Clark County Prosecutor as an investigator, and this is one (case) that really sticks out in my mind that's unsolved and I would like to see it solved," said retired detective Bob Kerr.