Her father was ten minutes late picking her up. Those ten minutes were enough.
Patricia "Suzie" Schmidt, 16, was raped and murdered in Hallett Cove, South Australia, on the night of December 17-18, 1971. Her case remains unsolved more than 50 years later.
Ten Minutes
Patricia had just finished her second shift at a Darlington fast food restaurant, waiting outside for her father, Werner, to collect her after his own bartending job. He arrived about ten minutes late. By then, Patricia was gone. Witnesses said she'd waited a few minutes, then started walking north along South Road — away from her home, not toward it.
A Warning Sign, Days Earlier
After her first shift the previous Tuesday, Patricia had told a friend that a man in his 30s had stopped and offered her a ride home. She described him as older, unattractive, with noticeable acne and a flashy car. According to her account, he'd suggested driving into the hills; she declined, and he drove her straight home instead, as she'd asked.
Discovery
Patricia's family reported her missing the next morning. Her body was found that evening on a dirt track near Hallett Cove, roughly 10 kilometers from where she'd last been seen. She had been left mostly undressed, with her outer clothing draped over her, and investigators believed, based on drag marks at the scene, that she had been killed elsewhere and moved there afterward. Traces of paint and metal particles found on her body led police to theorize she may have been killed inside a workshop, possibly one specializing in engraving or key-cutting.
Where the Case Stands Now
Investigators have never identified a suspect. In recent years, South Australia Police developed a DNA profile from case evidence and entered it into the national database, though as of the most recent reporting it hasn't matched any known offender. Investigators have said they're continuing to examine familial DNA matches in hopes of narrowing down a connection. A reward of up to $1,000,000 remains on offer for information leading to a conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has anyone ever been charged in Patricia Schmidt's murder?
No. The case remains unsolved, with no suspect ever formally identified.
Is there DNA evidence in the case?
Yes. A DNA profile has been developed and entered into the national database, but hasn't yet been matched to a known individual.
Is there still a reward for information?
Yes, up to $1,000,000 for information leading to a conviction.