For nearly 40 years, the disappearance of 8-year-old Cherrie Mahan has haunted Pennsylvania. In February 1985, she stepped off her school bus on Cornplanter Road in Butler County—and vanished. A mysterious blue-green van with a skier decal was the only clue, and Cherrie was never seen again.

Now, there may finally be a break.

Private investigator Steve Ridge, a retired officer, recently reignited the case. A new witness came forward, claiming to have overheard a man confess to abducting Cherrie in the 1980s. That man—convicted sex offender William Montgomery—lived across from Cherrie’s grandparents. Ridge believes Montgomery, along with two now-deceased relatives, may have been involved.

Just two weeks ago, Ridge and the volunteer group Cherrie’s Angels brought cadaver dog teams to search private land tied to the suspects. In a stunning moment, both dogs alerted on the exact same spot, a location also referenced in a prior tip.

Due to rough terrain, excavation is delayed until fall. But hope is rising.

Cherrie’s mother recently posted that people connected to the case “have started talking.” After four decades of silence, the community is left wondering: Could this finally be the moment the truth comes to light?