This day in history: Jonelle Matthews disappeared near Greeley, Colorado on this day in 1984. The 12 year-old's remains were discovered on July 24, 2019, by construction workers putting in a new pipeline 15 miles from her home.
While the search was going on, Steve Pankey, a former Idaho governor candidate, made himself a person of interest by making allegedly incriminating statements and also discussing information about the crime the police had withheld from the public. Once Jonelle’s remains were discovered in 2019, the police accused and arrested Pankey for the murder. Source
Steven Pankey, a youth pastor, started acting strange following the disappearance of Jonelle Matthews. Pankey's ex-wife, Angela Hicks, said they went on a trip on December 22 to visit family members. She also said this trip was unexpected. Hicks said they returned to Greeley on December 26 and that Pankey took an unusual interest in the disappearance. She said that on their return trip, Pankey "uncharacteristically listened to the radio, searching for news of the girl's disappearance". She also said that after their return, Pankey forced her to read to him newspaper articles concerning the case. According to the 2020 indictment statement, shortly following their return to Greeley, Pankey started digging in their yard. At about that time, a car stored on their property caught fire and the burned car "was disposed of at a salvage yard".
A few months following Jonelle's disappearance, Pankey attended a church service where a minister claimed that Jonelle would be found safe. Hicks claimed to have heard Pankey muttering in response, accusing the minister of being a false prophet. In 2008, Pankey's son was murdered. At his son's funeral, Hicks reportedly heard Pankey say, "I hope God didn't allow this to happen because of Jonelle Matthews."
The police announced that Pankey had long been a suspect in the case. Pankey repeatedly claimed to have knowledge of the crime and had asked "for immunity in exchange for information". The criminal indictment said that he "intentionally inserted himself in the investigation many times over the years claiming to have knowledge of the crime which grew inconsistent and incriminating over time". Pankey had claimed that on the evening of Jonelle's abduction, a rake was used to cover up tracks left in the snow. He also claimed to have watched students walking home from the middle school which Jonelle attended.
Pankey gave an interview to the Times-News and said he was being framed by the police because of his sexuality, identifying himself as a "celibate homosexual". In 2018, Pankey had campaigned for the position of governor of Idaho. His campaign website said that Pankey has studied criminal justice.
Steve Pankey is being held at the Weld County Jail on a $5 million cash-only bond.
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