Morton Grove, Illinois – New documents obtained by NBC 5 Investigates shed light on the decades-old unsolved murder case that continues to haunt the suburban community. The families of high school seniors Susie Ovington and Eyvonne Bender, who were brutally killed in 1979, reveal that they have never seen this information before.

The two girls were on their way to a shopping center on September 5, 1979, when they vanished without a trace. Hours later, their bodies were discovered in a nearby Cook County Forest Preserve, both victims of multiple gunshot wounds. Even after 44 years, the families of Susie and Eyvonne still feel the pain as if it just happened yesterday.

The lack of communication from the Morton Grove police has been a source of frustration for both families. They claim to have heard very little about the progress of the case over the years. With hope still alive, Eyvonne’s sister, Sheri Peterson, expresses the family’s determination to find the truth. They refuse to give up and long for clarity, especially for their parents.

Some of the girls’ high school classmates have taken matters into their own hands by joining the search for answers. They offer their time, knowledge, and financial support to crack this cold case that has haunted their hometown. Tom Sprague, one of the classmates involved in the effort, expresses his belief that the case is solvable but emphasizes the need for more support from the police.

However, the Morton Grove police have declined multiple interview requests. They acknowledge the families’ frustration and mention that the case has been reviewed multiple times over the years. In 2020, investigators started anew. Since the recent 44th anniversary of the crime, the police have received 25 new tips, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

The lack of progress in this case is deeply concerning. NBC 5 Investigates filed two Freedom of Information Act requests to the Illinois State Police and Morton Grove for access to the case files. While NBC 5 Investigates obtained some reports dating back to 2005, the Morton Grove request was denied, claiming it could obstruct the ongoing criminal investigation.

With more questions than answers, the families and their supporters are left wondering about the next steps in this decades-old unsolved murder case. Seeking justice, NBC 5 has filed a lawsuit against Morton Grove to compel the release of the reports. The families hope that this legal action will finally provide the answers they have been desperately seeking for 44 years.

Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Morton Grove police directly or submit a tip anonymously through the hotline. The families and their allies remain determined to find closure and bring the killer to justice.