By Carol Anders
Staff Writer

ARGOS — Reality shows on television depicting criminal cases that have been investigated years later and solved have provided viewers with both entertainment and a better understanding of how investigations work.

Now a real-life cold case that has gone unsolved for over 20 years is a focus of Indiana State Police.

A fictitious novel released a few months ago, based on the murder in 1986 of Brandie Peltz of Argos, has brought the once deemed cold case to the surface. Thomas Crowel, author of “The Passerby,” spent more than two years researching the particulars of the case for his book.

Television station WNDU interviewed Crowel and quoted him as saying the Indiana State Police had reviewed the case from time to time. However, that statement was contradicted by the ISP Detective Tom Littlefield, who is now looking into the matter. Crowel also said he did not say the ISP was involved at any time.

Crowel said he has now talked to Littlefield and has given him information that he had gathered.
Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Trent Smith clarified the ISP’s involvement with the case.

Smith said, “Prior to last Friday (Jan. 9), our involvement was nothing. When a department is investigating, we set some ground at some point. We don’t get involved until there is a request.”
Smith said his department researched back as far as talking with detectives who were active at the time (and have since retired) to see if any remembered any involvement. According to Smith, they also checked their files for any paperwork concerning the case.

Smith said they are acting now on a request to investigate from the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office.

Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney Dave Holmes was not in his office Tuesday for comment.
Smith said, “Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can find something. Technology has changed in 20 years as well.”

He added, “There are literally thousands of cases unsolved and will remain unsolved.”

Jon VanVactor, Marshall County sheriff, said he does not have a comment on the case.

The ISP is asking the public to contact Detective Tom Littlefield at 800-552-2959 with any information that they may have concerning the case.