More than five decades after two teenagers disappeared while traveling to the historic Summer Jam music festival in Watkins Glen, investigators say they remain committed to solving one of New York’s longest-running missing persons cases.
The New York State Police and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that a recent search in Steuben County failed to uncover new evidence in the 1973 disappearance of Bonita “Bonnie” Bickwit, 15, and Mitchel “Mitch” Weiser, 16.
The two teens left Narrowsburg on July 27, 1973, to attend the Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, one of the largest rock concerts in history. When they never returned home, their families reported them missing. Their disappearance has remained an active investigation ever since.
Investigators said a coordinated search was conducted on June 19 at a property in Steuben County after authorities received a new tip. Despite an extensive search of the property, no evidence related to the case was found.
The operation was led by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police, with assistance from the Town of Wayne Highway Department.
Authorities emphasized that the unsuccessful search does not mark the end of the investigation. Detectives say they remain committed to pursuing any credible leads that could help determine what happened to the two teenagers after they set out for the legendary Watkins Glen concert.
Anyone with information about the disappearance of Bonita Bickwit or Mitchel Weiser is urged to contact the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office at (845) 807-0849 or New York State Police Troop F Communications at (845) 344-5300.
