Barbara Jean Paciotti, Missing, June 1969 MN.
Barbara Jean Paciotti Vital Statistics Missing since June 14, 1969 from Hibbing, Minnesota Classification: Endangered Missing Age at Time of Disappearance: 20 years old Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 4'11"; 98 lbs. Distinguishing Characteristics: White female. Dark brown hair; brown eyes. Clothing: She was wearing a rust-colored jacket over a red plaid dress, a pair of loafers and rings of jade and topaz when last seen. Circumstances of Disappearance Paciotti was last seen in downtown near Sammy’s Pizza (now the Mane Salon), where a close friend watched her get into a 1964 Oldsmobile being driven by a suspect she had been dating. Paciotti was residing in Minneapolis at the time but in town visiting her parents, for the weekend visit and in celebration of Father’s Day. She had been working as a secretary for an investment firm for about a year. Later that day, officers of the Minneapolis Police Department were called by the suspect's family members to check on his welfare. He was living in an apartment in Minneapolis and had returned some time that day. He was located by law enforcement a few blocks from his apartment shortly thereafter. According to reports, a short chase ensued. The suspect was soon apprehended and returned with officers to his apartment. While being questioned, the suspect told officers that he and Paciotti took a ride around 1:30 a.m. He said they had an argument, which prompted him to exit the car. A specified location of the stop was not given. The suspect went on to tell officers that he recalled hitting Paciotti once, and that he was sure she was dead. He remembers waking up in Mora, Minnesota, but not where he left Paciotti. Officers noticed muddied clothing and shoes lying on the apartment floor. Mud and grass covered a pair of pants that the suspect claimed he had been wearing earlier that morning. The suspect's vehicle, which belonged to his father, was searched. Officers located a purse with one of its straps detached. Inside the purse, they found Paciotti’s identification. The suspect was not arrested at the time. A day later, the Minneapolis Homicide Unit received word from family members that the suspect had penned a suicide note. Family also told officers they had spoken to him about Paciotti and what may have occurred, adding that he did not remember much. He was admitted to a hospital for observation. A search warrant was executed by Minneapolis officers on June 19, 1969. The suspect's roommate informed them that the muddied pants and shoes in question were taken by the suspect's mother. The shoes were located some time after but the pants never were. Officers attempted to question the suspect about his involvement with Paciotti on June 20, 1969, but were unsuccessful. At the same time, several massive ground searches were mobilized in the Hibbing area, but raised no leads. Three reports were received via phone that a vehicle was seen on Highway 73 with its headlights on in the early hours of the morning on June 14. The reports place the vehicle about one mile south of the Maple Hill overpass. It is unknown whether the vehicle was occupied at the time. Paciotti was never found. The case was eventually suspended. Investigators If you have any information concerning this case, please contact: Hibbing Police Department Investigator Dale Wright 263-3601 http://www.doenetwork.us/cases/1805dfmn.html

Will reward help solve Paciotti case? Saturday, January 21st, 2006 Brian K. Anderson The Daily Tribune The unsolved mystery surrounding the Barbara Paciotti case gained some momentum Thursday as the announcement of a $50,000 reward was made at a press conference in St. Paul. This is obviously good news for the Paciotti family and I hope the optimism expressed by Paciotti’s younger brother, Greg, results in the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Barbara’s disappearance. By the same token, I hope the Paciotti family isn’t setting itself up for more heartache because I was at a similar press conference several years ago in Chisholm regarding the 1986 murder of Nancy Daugherty. The family in this particular case was equally optimistic as law enforcement officials gave an indication they were closing in on the person responsible for murdering Daugherty. However, that case has seemingly gone cold once again and the family still doesn’t have the answers to who killed her. That’s the sad truth about cold cases—they become extremely difficult to solve because as time goes by people’s memories fade and with that so too does the likelihood that closure will be found for families. But as Hibbing Police Chief Barb Mitchell pointed out, the reward money should provide some added incentive to anyone who may recall details centering around the 1969 case. Personally, I’m perplexed that the case hasn’t already been solved. After all, the last person believed to have been with Paciotti pretty much admitted that something terrible had happened to Paciotti. The man, Jeff Dolinich, who now lives in the Twin Cities, wrote the Paciotti family a letter indicating that he and Paciotti had an argument, that he hit her and that he’s pretty sure she’s dead. His letter even gave an indication that by the time they read it, he’d be dead, therefore raising the speculation that he did in fact kill her and couldn’t live with that fact. Upon receiving the letter, I’m sure the Paciotti family thought they’d have answers to Barbara’s disappearance in the days that followed Dolinich’s letter, but here we are 37 years later and the case is still unresolved. This is despite the fact that numerous searches were done as dozens of volunteers searched for any clues that may lead them to her body. I can only imagine the frustration felt by the family over the years, but as Mitchell said at the press conference, it’s pretty hard to convict someone without authorities recovering a body. Even so, I would hope the man who wrote the remorseful letter would meet with authorities to shed new light on the case that has baffled law enforcement officials for nearly four decades. Not only does the family deserve this, but so too does Barbara Paciotti, whose life ended far too tragically and far too young. http://www.hibbingmn.com/dailytribune/index.php?sect_rank=4&story_id=208008

Investigators search second location for Paciotti Wednesday, May 3, 2006 Kelly Grinsteinner The Daily Tribune HIBBING — Greg “Elmo” Paciotti saw his hope in action Tuesday. It came, once again, in the form of two canines specially trained to locate cadavers. Molly and Ranger, along with handlers Denny Adams of Conde, S.D., and Dirk VerSteeg of Chisholm, headed back into the woods for day two of searching for Barbara Paciotti, the 20-year-old who went missing in June 1969. While Monday’s search focused on a farm owned by the Dolinich family located off Antonelli Road, Tuesday’s probe centered on the corners of Highway 73 and South Leighton Road. Several leads in the case have pointed to that location, said Lead Investigator Dale Wright of the Hibbing Police Department. More than one person has reported having seen a vehicle matching the description of the one Barbara was last seen in the night she disappeared. A search of a wooded and swampy area on the north side of South Leighton Road early Tuesday morning produced little. They intended to cover the southern side Tuesday afternoon. Investigators had permission of property owners in the area, whereas a search warrant was executed on the farm on Monday. Wright said that investigators plan to do more historical research on the farm and search it again. They also plan to call in someone who was familiar with the farmstead prior to 1969, the year Barbara went missing and a time investigators figure the farmstead was abandoned. Coming face to mug with the bloodhounds gave Paciotti an extra boost of confidence in the cold case. “From yesterday to today, there’s been a big leap in my confidence,” he said. “I’m more optimistic and more convinced these dogs can help. I know something’s going to happen based on the successes they’ve had.” Paciotti not only petted Molly and Range and saw them in action, but shot the breeze with Adams while the dogs took a rest. Although amused by the Adams’ stories of his adventures, he was more impressed by other things. “I like how they take care of the dogs,” said Paciotti. “I was also impressed how they consider other’s feelings and have concern for the family.” As Adams described, and Paciotti would agree, the experience of searching for a missing loved one will bond them forever. Due to his work schedule Paciotti was unable to be at the farm on Monday. He said his gut feeling still says she’s there because of the main suspect’s familiarity with the location. The forty belonged to the late Katherine Dolinich, grandmother of Jeff Dolinich, who was the last person to be seen with Paciotti the night she disappeared. According to Wright, Jeff Dolinich admitted to having brought Barbara there the night she disappearance. Dolinich, now 62 and residing in Coon Rapids, Minn., remains the sole suspect, according to Wright. Dolinich has retained a lawyer and has yet to comment publicly. Adams said that even if no physical evidence is found to forward the case, investigators will at least be able to rule out the locations. Agreeing to stay in the area for some time, Adams and VerSteeg have offered to continue searching for Barbara as long as investigators see fit. They also plan to do some searching for Leanna “Beaner” Warner, who went missing June 14, 2003, with the dogs. Paciotti will await any discoveries. A round of golf and mowing the lawn were his activities of choice Tuesday afternoon. He planned to keep busy while investigators and canines keep searching. “When they find something, the first thing I’ll do is go have a talk with mom and dad,” he said. The late Fabian and Betty Paciotti are buried in Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing. A $50,000 reward has been added to the case through Spotlight on Crime. Anyone with information is asked to call the Hibbing Police Department at (218) 263-3601 or the BCA Cold Case Unit at (651) 793-7000 or toll-free at 1-888-234-3692. http://www.hibbingmn.com/dailytribune/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=208764

Paciotti family longs for answers Kelly Grinsteinner The Daily Tribune Wednesday, June 14th, 2006 11:33:25 AM HIBBING — Since the passing of his mother, Betty, in 2004, Greg “Elmo” Paciotti routinely visits his family at Maple Hill Cemetery. Every other day he makes the trek there to water the flowers placed between his parent’s headstones. “I go there to talk to all of them,” said Paciotti. “I do miss them, and they are my family. I fill them in on my day, update them on the case, tell them how Heather’s doing and how much I miss them.” Also on his mother’s headstone are the names of his sisters, Susan who passed away in 1977, and Barbara, who has been missing since 1969. A date of death has yet to be added below Barbara’s name. “It makes me sad that there’s no date there,” said Paciotti. “But I get a sense of satisfaction being able to talk to them all at once.” Paciotti longs to know what happened to his sister, and to add a date to the stone. “It’d be nice to have that closure,” he said. “I’d like to be optimistic in thinking she’ll walk through that door, but I know realistically that won’t happen.” Barbara disappeared 37 years ago today. It was in the early morning hours of June 14, 1969, that she was last seen on Howard Street in downtown Hibbing. The 20-year-old was visiting her parents for the weekend and in celebration of Father’s Day. She had been residing in Minneapolis, where she had worked as a secretary for an investment firm for about a year. Paciotti had planned to meet with a former boyfriend that evening. She was dating Jeff Dolinich, also a former Hibbing resident, at the time of her disappearance. While she and her roommate were driving around Hibbing that night, the pair came across Dolinich who was also hanging out downtown and bypassed him. Hours later, Dolinich approached their vehicle while paused at a downtown stoplight and began talking with Paciotti. Dolinich asked Paciotti to go with him. She agreed, and they left in his father’s 1964 green Oldsmobile. Paciotti was never seen again. Later that morning, Dolinich was located in Minneapolis and questioned by law enforcement about Paciotti’s whereabouts. He told police that he had been drinking that night and acknowledged leaving Hibbing with Paciotti. He went on to say that they had argued, that he had struck her and that he knew she was dead. He also said he did not know her whereabouts. A few days later, the family received a mysterious, remorseful letter from Dolinich. To date, no body has been found and no one has ever been charged. Dolinich now resides in Coon Rapids, Minn. He spoke briefly with investigators about the case in December, but has since retained a lawyer and is no longer cooperating with law enforcement. The Hibbing Police Department announced the reopening of the case on Dec. 9, 2005. A month later, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) added a $50,000 reward to the case being made available through Spotlight on Crime. The media blitzes led to roughly 50 new leads and several searches on foot and with bloodhounds since early May. The department has taken in more than 150 leads since the department and the BCA reopened the case in 1998. Hibbing Police Investigator Dale Wright said he was aware of the approaching anniversary, adding his initial aim was to have the case wrapped up by now. “I would have liked to have had a resolution by that date, but we’re still proceeding in the right direction,” he said. “We are going to be doing more searching and following up on the remainder of leads.” Those places of interest include more areas along south Highway 73 and also a section of property near the Dolinich farm off Antonelli Road. Wright said the searches will likely be done within the next month or so with the assistance of the St. Louis County Rescue Squad. “We have come a long way, and we’re getting closer to exhausting all of the leads of the investigation,” said Wright. “We’re hoping to have the investigation completed by the end of the summer.” Resolution, as all involved define it, is finding out what happened to Barbara — either by locating her remains or getting Dolinich to confess. Wright said Dolinich remains the sole suspect at this time, adding he remains optimistic. “My confidence is up, as it always is on these cases,” he said. “The interest from the public and people calling in keeps giving us leads to work on. They are able to tell us about 1969. They’ve been helpful by giving us a better picture of how things were then.” Wright said he’s taking the case very seriously, even personally. “This is one of those cases that when you work it, you want to work it hard,” he explained. “You want a resolution and are determined to get it. I am personally involved.” Having gotten to know the family adds to that tenacity. Wright keeps in touch with them on a weekly basis. “This is the kind of case any good investigator would want to be assigned to and want to solve,” he said. “It’s given me an extra desire to work harder. I’m not letting go until we’ve gone through everything. Until we’ve exhausted all of our efforts. I can’t help but be personally involved.” Anyone with information is asked to call the Hibbing Police Department at (218) 263-3601 or the BAC Cold Case Unit at (651) 793-7000 or toll-free at 1-888-234-3692. Paciotti and his aunts Pat Field and Judie Lyman speak very highly of Wright. Just last week the four met face to face to talk about the case. The three learned several unknown facts and intimate details about the case. Wright also took Fields and Lyman to where the searches had been conducted. “It was an eerie, surreal feeling to be there knowing they had looked for her there,” said Fields about visiting the search sites. “It made me wonder that much more. Is she out there? Have we just not found her yet? Will we ever find her? It could be the last place or area Barbie was.” Despite not having answers, Fields and Lyman said they are elated the case was reopened and that it’s moving forward. Learning new details on the case helped rebuild their confidence in reaching a resolution. “I want to know everything about the case I can. I just can’t get enough,” said Fields. “It’s just been so many years.” Lyman concurred, adding she’d like to see the case go to trial, with or without Barbara’s remains. That decision ultimately lies in the hands of the county attorney. “I feel we’re closer to a day to hold a memorial service than we’ve ever been before,” said Fields, adding she looks forward to the day when a judge asks her to give an impact statement for sentencing purposes. The pair said they owe it to Betty to see the case through. They told her such while visiting her, Fabian and Susan at Maple Hill Cemetery last week. Immediately following the visit, they headed to a local greenhouse. There, Fields and Lyman purchased carnations for Betty and daisies for Susan with plans to lay them at the grave. They hope to add Barbara’s favorite flowers in the near future. http://www.hibbingmn.com/dailytribune/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=209044