Keith Coffman

DENVER (Reuters] – On Thursday, a Colorado judge declared a mistrial in the kidnapping and murder case against a Idaho gubernatorial hopeful. The two-time Idaho gubernatorial nominee was charged with killing a 12-year old girl. Her remains were discovered over 30 years later.

Officials said that the majority of the case against Steven Pankey (70) was dropped after the jury of 12 members reported that it could not reach an unanimous verdict in the matter of Pankey’s kidnapping and murder of Jonelle Matthews.

Pankey was found guilty of one count, Krista Henney spokeswoman for Weld County District Attorney’s Office.

According to court officials, Judge Timothy Kerns has scheduled a status hearing for Monday. This will address potential murder and kidnapping charges as well as bond and sentencing regarding the false reporting count.

After three weeks of trial over Matthews’ murder, the hung jury concluded its proceedings at noon on Tuesday.

In December 1984, the girl disappeared from Greeley Colorado. She was about 50-80 miles north of Denver.

The mystery surrounding her disappearance was a puzzle for over 34 years. It wasn’t until 2019 that an excavation crew digging a pipe in rural Weld County found human remains. These were then identified as Matthews.

Authorities said she died of a gunshot to her head.

Pankey became a suspect in the cold case and would make “incriminating” statements about various individuals, according to police. In 2020, he was arrested and transferred to Colorado.