College student’s unsolved murder shines spotlight on serial killer as new theories emerge
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Kristin Noel David, a 22-year-old senior at the University of Idaho, vanished on a sunny summer day in 1981 while bicycling along a quiet stretch of Idaho highway. 

Nine days later, her dismembered remains were discovered in plastic bags floating in the Snake River, wrapped in newspaper pages and scattered across the current.

More than four decades later, questions remain about whether the aspiring journalist was the victim of a serial killer.

The same suspect was seen by several witnesses approaching or speaking with other female cyclists or pedestrians the same day David vanished, the FBI said.

Stewart believes modern advances in DNA technology can “breathe life” into murder cases that are 40 years old.

“In the past, investigators had fingerprints and instincts. Today, DNA technology, digital evidence databases and genealogy tracing can breathe life into even the coldest of cases. Evidence that once sat dormant in an evidence locker now has the power to speak. With those tools, even a 40-year-old case like Kristin’s can still break wide open,” he told Fox News Digital.

“We’ve seen decades-old cases solved across the country using modern tools. If the right piece of evidence is reanalyzed — or the right person finally comes forward — Kristin’s case could absolutely be solved.”

FBI seal

The seal of the FBI at the J. Edgar Hoover FBI building in Washington, D.C., March 10, 2025. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite decades passing, the case remains open. On the 40th anniversary of her death, the FBI Salt Lake City appealed for help.

The FBI believes there are still people from the community who have not come forward with information that could help solve the case. 

FBI Salt Lake City Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Zach Schoffstall said at a June 2021 press conference the case is not considered “cold” and that investigators still need assistance from the public.

“Let me be clear: at this time, Kristin’s murder is not a cold case. It’s not going away, and we are dedicated more than ever to solving it. But we need your help,” he said.

“Today, we are renewing our call for the public’s assistance. We believe there are members of the community, whether they remain local or not, who haven’t yet come forward with information that could help solve this case. If you haven’t talked to law enforcement about what you know, please come forward now,” he said. “No tip is too small or insignificant.”

Anyone with information is urged to visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the FBI Salt Lake City for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Dad was on a show about aliens, mom worked with Jim Carrey

From UFOs to Hollywood: Unraveling the Fascinating Lives of a Family with Ties to Aliens and Jim Carrey

A well-known celebrity offspring stepped into the limelight for a rare red…
Moment Prince Harry puts on cringeworthy American accent

Prince Harry Adopts American Accent in Light-Hearted Moment

Prince Harry found himself both amused and a bit embarrassed after facing…
Wisconsin professor slams ‘isolating environment’ for conservatives on campuses

Wisconsin Academic Criticizes Campus Climate for Conservative Voices

This article is part of Fox News Digital’s investigative series titled “Campus…
3 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base personnel found dead in Ohio

Tragic Discovery: Three Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Personnel Found Dead in Ohio

Ohio authorities are currently investigating the deaths of three employees from Wright-Patterson…
Law enforcement officers talk with protesters outside a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Ore., Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Federal Trial Commences Over Trump’s Controversial National Guard Deployment in Portland

In Portland, Oregon, a pivotal federal trial is set to commence on…
Lufthansa flight flew for 10 minutes without conscious pilot, investigation reveals

Biblical Studies Student Accused of In-Flight Assault and Teen Stabbings

A Lufthansa flight traveling from Chicago to Frankfurt had to make an…
Erika Kirk’s delivers raw, faith-filled tribute to late husband at Ole Miss: ‘I slept on his side of the bed’

Erika Kirk Honors Late Husband with Emotional Tribute at Ole Miss: A Faith-Filled Journey of Love and Loss

On Wednesday evening, Erika Kirk stepped onto the stage at the University…
Tense moment Kamala Harris snaps at ABC journalist over Biden question

Kamala Harris Defends Biden Administration During Heated Exchange with ABC Journalist

Kamala Harris, the former U.S. presidential candidate, found herself in a heated…