9 Tips Received In First Week After Unsolved 1972 Murder Is Reopened

It’s been a week since Sheriff Steve Bizzell announced the reopening of a 35-year-old murder investigation. A newly formed Cold Case Squad is hoping to solve the murder of Bonnie Wheeler Neighbors of Benson. The 33-year-old mother of two disappeared on December 14, 1972 while on the way to school to pick up her youngest son. On December 17, her body was found at remote labor camp on Holley Grove Church Road . She had been shot twice in the abdomen. Her 3-month-old son, Glen Neighbors, was found beside her, unharmed. Since Sheriff Bizzell made the announcement on WMPM Radio on April 17, nine tips have been received. Sheriff’s Captain Buck Pipkin said each tip is being investigated. Captain Pipkin went on to say that new forensic technology now available to homicide investigators, that wasn’t available in 1972, will be used to reexamine all the evidence in the case. A special tip line has been established for those who might have information about the death of Bonnie Neighbors. The number is 919-989-5017. Callers can remain anonymous.