What happened to Cheryl Scherer? Preview Dateline: Missing In America Season 5

**SPEAKER_1** (0:00)
When it comes to affordable, convenient graduate education, Southern New Hampshire University delivers.
Offering career-focused master's programs, online courses with no set class times, and some of the lowest online tuition rates in the US., Southern New Hampshire University makes going back to school possible. Ready to add master's degree to your resume? Visit snhu.edu/dateline to get started. That's snhu.edu/dateline.
Insurance is not one size fits all. That's why drivers of trusted progressives name your price tool for years. Just tell Progressive what you want to pay, and they'll show you coverage options that fit your budget. Visit progressive.com to find a car insurance rate that works for you. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates. Price and coverage match, limited by state law.

**Josh Mankiewicz** (0:58)
Hey, it's Josh Mankiewicz with a preview of Dateline Missing in America. In our podcast's fifth season, we share six new unsolved mysteries, and we hope someone listening might have a clue that could help crack one of these cases. Could that someone be you? Here's Dateline Missing in America.
A lot of people talk about wanting to live off the grid. These days, that's pretty difficult. Most of us have cell phones glued to our hands or smartwatches tracking our every step. Doorbell cameras offer a blanket of security outside our homes. Always on, always connected, always recording.
This story begins back in the 1970s, when the grid had a lot of holes in it, a time when anyone could go missing without a trace. People like Cheryl Scherer. Your family wouldn't change your home phone number because that's the number she knew. That's right.

**SPEAKER_4** (2:09)
That's right. Because this was all before cell phones.

**Josh Mankiewicz** (2:12)
Back then, parents had no choice but to trust they'd see their teenager at the end of the day.

**SPEAKER_4** (2:18)
They just ended the conversation with plans to come home.

**Josh Mankiewicz** (2:23)
On April 17, 1979, 19-year-old Cheryl Scherer did not come home. She hasn't been home for nearly 50 years.

**SPEAKER_4** (2:34)
In one way or the other, we just thought she'll be back, that this is not going to be something that we're going to live with for the rest of our lives.

**Josh Mankiewicz** (2:44)
The Sheerers weren't the only ones who never let go of Cheryl's case. How many sheriffs has this case confounded?

**SPEAKER_4** (2:51)
I'll be the fourth.

**Josh Mankiewicz** (2:53)
Maybe you'll be the one that closes it.

**SPEAKER_4** (2:55)
You know, I hope.

**Josh Mankiewicz** (2:59)
Thanks for listening. Search for Dateline Missing in America to start listening to Season 5 and follow now.
For ad-free listening, subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or at datelinepremium.com.

**SPEAKER_3** (3:24)
Mazda has been named Consumer Reports' safest new car brand. It starts with our approach. Every Mazda comes standard with proactive safety features. So you're more aware of what's around you, more focused on the road ahead, and ready before problems ever start.
Mazda, more of what matters most to you. Go to mazdausa.com to learn more. Consumer Reports does not endorse or promote any product.