So it’s been in the news in several places: Theodore Frederick Kampf, a 46-year-old man who was last seen in Oaklyn, New Jersey in July 1981, has been identified.
I was just talking to David Mittelman, the Othram Inc. guy, and he says it was in part cause of Charley that Kampf was identified. He was identified through DNA, but I guess Kampf wouldn’t have even been on the list of possibles except his Charley Project page notes he was road-tripping to Canada and was supposed to cross the border on July 13.
His body was found in the Yukon, you see. Specifically, “in a wooded area near the North Fork Dam and Dempster Highway in Dawson City.” Which is about as far away as it is possible for him to be and still be on the same continent. I looked it up and Dawson City, Yukon Territory is a 63-hour drive from Oaklyn, New Jersey — and that’s only if you take a direct route (which Kampf didn’t, since he was last known to be in Washington State). The direct route is 6,382 kilometers, or almost 4,000 miles.
After forty years I think it’s unlikely his murder will ever be solved. The killer could even be dead by now. But at least he’s coming home.
The Charley Project Blog 
This is just freaking awesome! Finally. Weird, but awesome. My love to family.
You know, Kampf’s case was one of the many (hundreds, probably thousands) missing person cases that jumped out at me. With the odd (if not unique) circumstances, I always figured he was most likely robbed and murdered. I mean, after all, someone having a wreck in his truck (before it’s disposed of in a Montana ravine) and impersonating Kampf during the investigation pretty much cries foul, doesn’t it? As does an impersonator cashing his traveler’s checks, by the way.
I agree with you, Meghan; the murderer(s?) may well be dead by now. it’s been 40 years.
(Sorry, inadvertently left an A out of your name, Meaghan. Carry on.)