OSBI Searching For Remains Of Man In 12-Year-Old Cold Case

The motive for the murder of Troy Neidhart, 37, remains a mystery 12 years after his disappearance from Oklahoma City. Now, a resurgence in the cold case could give his family some closure. 

Hunters discovered Neidhart's remains in a heavily wooded area near Highway 74B and Rockwell in McClain County in 2004, two years after he was reported as a missing person.

The McClain County Sheriff launched the investigation back then and called in the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to assist with the case. But the case went cold, until recently, when new leads brought investigators back to that wooded area for a three-day excavation.

Robert and Sherry Neidhart watched as investigators began sifting through the area.

"Just knowing he was left out here like that, so cruel, and the way they did it" said Sherry.

According to the autopsy, Troy was shot in the head and back.

"I'm sure the perpetrator in all of this kind of feels he got away with murder," Robert said the suspect should be nervous now. "The old saying is the long arm of the law...and we have a long arm here today by golly, and they are going to catch whoever did this."

Investigators have not recovered the murder weapon, but hope the search will bring about more evidence in the case.

"We're actually going to be sifting the soil to make sure we do not let anything elude us, like a bullet fragment or a spent casing," said McClain County Sheriff Don Hewett.

Hewett also explained that only some of the victim's remains were recovered in 2004, but the OSBI hopes new forensic technology will solve that.

"With the help of the archeologist, we hope we are able to unearth some of that evidence," said Stan Florence, OSBI Director.

A 5,000 reward is also being offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Troy Neidhart's killer. If you have any information call the OSBI hotline 1 (800) 522-8017.