Riverside Police seek clues in 60-year-old college student murder

The Riverside Police Department is continuing its investigation into the 1966 murder of 18-year-old Cheri Jo Bates, marking the 60th anniversary of the case. Bates was killed on the campus of Riverside City College on the afternoon of October 30, 1966, while she was visiting the campus library.

Detective Steve Espinosa stated that investigators have identified a primary person of interest who has remained a focus of the investigation for decades, though there has not been sufficient evidence to make an arrest. Police have not publicly disclosed the specific manner of death or whether a sexual assault was attempted.

The investigation remains active as detectives evaluate all viable leads. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Riverside Police Department’s Cold Case Unit.