In November 1969, the murder of Betsy Aardsma, a 22-year-old graduate student at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), shook the campus and remains one of Pennsylvania’s most infamous unsolved cases. Aardsma was fatally stabbed in the Pattee Library, leaving behind a mystery that has haunted the community for decades.
Early Life and Education
Elizabeth Ruth "Betsy" Aardsma was born in Holland, Michigan, the second of four children in a middle-class, religious, and conservative household. Her father worked as a sales tax auditor, and her mother was a homemaker. Betsy showed a talent for art and poetry from a young age and was known for her concern for the underprivileged. She graduated with honors from Holland High School in 1965.
Betsy initially attended Hope College with the dream of becoming a physician. She later transferred to the University of Michigan in 1967, where she studied art and English. During her senior year, she met David Wright, a medical student, who became her first serious boyfriend. Betsy graduated with honors in 1969.
Move to Penn State
Betsy’s original plan after graduation was to join the Peace Corps, but she chose to enroll at Penn State to be closer to Wright, who was also studying there. Betsy began her studies at Penn State in October 1969, living in Atherton Hall. Despite the promising start, by Thanksgiving she was experiencing significant stress due to her coursework.
The Day of the Murder
On November 28, 1969, Betsy and her roommate Sharon Brandt went to the Pattee Library to work on an English paper. They parted ways inside the library, planning to meet later for a movie. Betsy was last seen around 4:30 p.m. heading towards the Level 2 core stacks. Witnesses noted seeing a girl in a red dress and two young men nearby, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
The Attack
Between 4:45 and 4:55 p.m., Betsy was stabbed through the left breast with a single blow that pierced her heart. She collapsed, pulling several books from the shelves. Two students, Joao Uafinda and Marilee Erdley, saw a man fleeing the scene, exclaiming that a girl needed help. Despite efforts to chase him, the man was never identified.
Emergency Response and Autopsy
Betsy was found unconscious and transported to the Ritenour Health Center, where she was pronounced dead at 5:50 p.m. An autopsy revealed she had died from a single stab wound that caused extensive internal bleeding. There were no signs of sexual assault.
Investigation and Theories
The initial investigation was hampered by the cleaning of the crime scene, which destroyed potential evidence. Despite interviewing hundreds of people, police never found solid leads. Various theories emerged, including the possibility that Betsy had interrupted a homosexual encounter or witnessed a drug deal.
Primary Suspect: Richard Haefner
Two independent authors, Derek Sherwood and David DeKok, have suggested Penn State professor Richard Haefner as the prime suspect. Haefner, known for his erratic behavior and explosive anger, matched descriptions provided by witnesses. However, he was never charged and passed away in 2002.
Aftermath and Legacy
Betsy Aardsma's murder remains unsolved. Her case spurred Penn State to establish a campus police force to improve student safety. The Pennsylvania State Police continue to seek information, hoping to one day bring closure to this tragic case.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of how a promising young life was abruptly ended, leaving questions that still linger over half a century later. For more insights and detailed stories, visit Behind The Crime With Amanda.
Comments