MISSING: Kerry O’Brien-Krueger
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MISSING: Kerry O’Brien-Krueger

When Kerry O’Brien-Krueger vanished in 1989, her husband claimed she left for a work trip that never existed. Decades later, investigators are still untangling shifting stories, missing evidence and some crucial clues that could help reveal what happened – and they need Crime Junkies’ help.

Timeline:

1985
1985

Kerry O’Brien and Tracey Krueger marry.

June 1989
June 1989

Tracey purchases a Ford pickup truck in both his and Kerry’s names.

October 1989
October 1989

A second mortgage is taken out on the Krueger home in both Kerry’s and Tracey’s names.

December 4, 1989
December 4, 1989

According to Tracey’s father, Tracey mentions Kerry’s upcoming “Wyoming” work trip before the alleged phone call arranging it.

December 5, 1989
December 5, 1989

Tracey later claims Kerry receives a phone call around 8:30 p.m. telling her she must fill in at a trade show in Wyoming. He says Kerry packs for the alleged trip and goes to bed.

December 6, 1989
December 6, 1989

Tracey claims Kerry leaves home before dawn for the supposed work trip, but Kerry never arrives at work.

December 7, 1989
December 7, 1989

Police issue a BOLO for Kerry.

December 11, 1989
December 11, 1989

Kerry’s family searches the Krueger home, and they discover personal belongings Tracey claimed Kerry took are still at the house.

December 1989
December 1989

Police administer a polygraph to Tracey. The results are inconclusive.

January 5, 1990
January 5, 1990

Tracey cancels a scheduled second polygraph examination.

January 6, 1990
January 6, 1990

Tracey collapses at work after reading a newspaper article about Kerry’s disappearance. He is hospitalized and claims to have lost all memories from 1979 to 1989.

January 1990
January 1990

Police execute a search warrant at the Krueger home and collect physical evidence.

January 1990
January 1990

A state parole agent alerts investigators about Kerry’s neighbor, Phillip Andrew Fox, after recognizing him during television coverage of the case.

1991
1991

A flooring installer reports seeing a fresh concrete patch in a basement while working for Tracey, but the tip is not fully pursued.

Around 2013
Around 2013

The investigation is transferred to the Racine County Sheriff’s Office.

December 6, 2015
December 6, 2015

Tracey is interviewed again by investigators.

2016
2016

Investigators travel to West Virginia to interview Phillip Andrew Fox after his arrest on unrelated charges.

2025
2025

Phillip Andrew Fox dies.

January 2026
January 2026

Investigators revisit the basement lead using cadaver dogs and ground-penetrating radar, but the basement does not match the contractor’s memory.

O’Brien-Krueger Residence

Where Kerry lived with Tracey and their daughter.

Wilmot, Wisconsin

The town that housed the Gander Mountain office where Kerry worked in public relations and was last confirmed at work on December 5, 1989.

Burlington City Police Department

The agency where Tracey filed Kerry’s missing persons report.

Racine County Sheriff's Office

The agency currently leading the investigation into Kerry’s disappearance.

Additional Information:

Tips

If you know anything about the disappearance of Kerry O’Brien-Krueger, call the Racine County Sheriff’s Office directly at (262) 930-8254, or if you’d prefer to remain anonymous, call the Crime Stoppers of Racine County at (888) 636-9330.

We’d love to speak with you and see how we can support.

If you’re a law enforcement agency or family member of one of the people we mentioned in this episode, or if you’re looking for more coverage on a case, please reach out. You can email us at:

Episode Source Material

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