LA PORTE, Ind. — Detectives in northwestern Indiana have reopened a cold case from 1988 involving the deaths of two Florida teenagers. 

According to a release from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, on March 11, 1989, deputies responded to State Road 8, about one mile west of State Road 39 in La Porte County following a report that a body was found in a water-filled ditch. 

The body was identified as that of 16-year-old Tamara Gifford of Florida. Police say Gifford had relatives living in Starke County, Indiana. 

Two days later, detectives found the body of 17-year-old Christina Hillis, also from Florida, in the “general area” where Gifford’s body was found.

Detectives believe their deaths happened in December 1988. 

After conducting interviews with individuals in both Starke and La Porte counties, as well as Florida residents, detectives learned the two girls were reported as runaways on Dec. 7, 1988. Detectives believe the girls were in Starke County before their deaths. 

The case grew cold after no additional information was discovered. 

However, now the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office says that “several weeks ago” detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division began reviewing the case file, specifically the manner and cause of both deaths. 

This led detectives to revisit the location where Gifford and Hillis’ bodies were found. Additionally, police say detectives have been in contact with the girls’ family members. 

Anyone with information on the two girls or the investigation is asked to contact Chief of Detectives Andy Hynek at 219-326-7700 ext. 2401 or email ahynek@lcso.in.gov.