Girl’s remains found after 12 years

RUCH, Ore. – The remains of a 15-year-old girl who vanished 12 years ago have been discovered by a man working on his property, and Oregon Medical Examiner Dr. James Olson says she was a homicide victim.

The family of Kaelin Rose Glazier received a small measure of closure Thursday after the girl’s remains were found near Ruch.

Kaelin, a sophomore at South Medford High School, was last seen Nov. 6, 1996 at the home of Billy Simmons, of Ruch. Police say he remains their primary suspect.

“We are not going to discuss specific details of this case quite yet,” said Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters on Friday. “We do not want to hurt our chances of successfully prosecuting the person responsible for her death.”

The investigation had stagnated. Several retired “cold case” investigators who worked the case over time have returned to assist.

“These folks had a personal interest in this case,” Winters said. “We are going to be open-minded and see where it leads, but Mr. Simmons has always been our person of interest.”

He has not been arrested in the case.

Simmons has said police have contacted him several times but he maintained his innocence.

Kimberly Cruz described conflicting emotions upon learning her daughter had been found.

“It is not a happy occasion when you learn your daughter was killed,” Cruz said. “But it is a relief to not have to keep searching for the truth. I am grieving and relieved at the same time.”

The family has staged several search efforts over the years. Cruz has left flowers and a picture near the area where the girl’s remains were found.

“I’m thankful it was a beautiful spot,” Cruz said. “It made me feel better to know she was there all this time.”