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Authorities probe new evidence in 1980 slaying case

14-year-old Ronda Blaylock's body found 35 years ago

The body of Ronda Blaylock, 14, was discovered in 1980 – three days after she was reported missing. 
WXII/Bill O'Neil
The body of Ronda Blaylock, 14, was discovered in 1980 – three days after she was reported missing. 
SOURCE: WXII/Bill O'Neil
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Authorities probe new evidence in 1980 slaying case
14-year-old Ronda Blaylock's body found 35 years ago
New evidence has led a number of law enforcement agencies to investigate an unsolved murder case that dates back 35 years.Ronda Mechelle Blaylock, 14, was found dead on Aug. 29, 1980, in a heavily wooded area off Sechrist Loop Road near Pilot Mountain just a few yards from the Stokes County line. Ronda lived in Forsyth County and was reported missing three days earlier.Mobile users, tap here to watch Bill O'Neil's report.An autopsy determined Ronda was viciously assaulted and stabbed to death. Ronda was found partially clothed, investigators said.In a statement released Monday, Surry County Sheriff Graham Atkinson said there were "developments that I cannot discuss" about a day after Ronda's mother recently called law enforcement regarding the status of the murder investigation.Law enforcement officials did say that the task force is actively pursuing good leads, and they don't expect to be disappointed by DNA tests of preserved evidence purported to be released soon.The task force includes the SBI, South Carolina state law enforcement and deputies from Forsyth and Stokes counties.Law enforcement officials believe Ronda was killed by the driver of a blue 1970s Chevrolet pickup truck who had picked up Ronda and her friend on Aug. 26, 1980, near the Rural Hall Bowling Lanes. The driver was a stranger, and Ronda's friend was dropped off unharmed.The suspect was described in 1980 as a white man in his late teens or early 20s with a tan, weighing 165 pounds and having straight brownish hair with light facial hair. He apparently told Ronda his name was Jimmy, but his friends called him Butch, law enforcement officials said.Bill O’Neil will have more details later Monday on WXII 12 News.

New evidence has led a number of law enforcement agencies to investigate an unsolved murder case that dates back 35 years.

Ronda Mechelle Blaylock, 14, was found dead on Aug. 29, 1980, in a heavily wooded area off Sechrist Loop Road near Pilot Mountain just a few yards from the Stokes County line. Ronda lived in Forsyth County and was reported missing three days earlier.

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Mobile users, tap here to watch Bill O'Neil's report.

An autopsy determined Ronda was viciously assaulted and stabbed to death. Ronda was found partially clothed, investigators said.

In a statement released Monday, Surry County Sheriff Graham Atkinson said there were "developments that I cannot discuss" about a day after Ronda's mother recently called law enforcement regarding the status of the murder investigation.

Law enforcement officials did say that the task force is actively pursuing good leads, and they don't expect to be disappointed by DNA tests of preserved evidence purported to be released soon.

The task force includes the SBI, South Carolina state law enforcement and deputies from Forsyth and Stokes counties.

Law enforcement officials believe Ronda was killed by the driver of a blue 1970s Chevrolet pickup truck who had picked up Ronda and her friend on Aug. 26, 1980, near the Rural Hall Bowling Lanes. The driver was a stranger, and Ronda's friend was dropped off unharmed.

The suspect was described in 1980 as a white man in his late teens or early 20s with a tan, weighing 165 pounds and having straight brownish hair with light facial hair. He apparently told Ronda his name was Jimmy, but his friends called him Butch, law enforcement officials said.

Bill O’Neil will have more details later Monday on WXII 12 News.