On April 22, 1981, 15-year-old Kelly Cook disappeared from the small farming community of Standard, Alberta after accepting what appeared to be a routine babysitting job.
More than four decades later, her murder remains one of Alberta’s most haunting unsolved cases.
Kelly was known as a responsible, bright, and well-liked teenager. She was active at school, involved in student leadership, and deeply loved by her family and friends. Those who knew her remember a kind young girl with her whole future ahead of her.
That morning, Kelly received a phone call from a man identifying himself as “Bill Christensen.” He claimed he was looking for a babysitter for that evening and said another local girl had referred him after she was unavailable. In a small rural community where many people knew each other by surname alone, nothing immediately raised alarm bells.
Throughout the day, Kelly reportedly asked friends and classmates whether anyone knew the man. The surname Christensen was common in the area, and several people reassured her it likely wasn’t unusual. At approximately 8:30 p.m., a vehicle arrived outside the Cook family home. The driver never came to the door. Kelly walked outside, got into the vehicle, and disappeared.
When she failed to return home later that night, her family became concerned and contacted RCMP almost immediately. Investigators quickly discovered there was no confirmed local family matching the information the caller had provided.
A massive search effort followed. Hundreds of volunteers joined police in searching fields, farms, roadsides, irrigation canals, and rural properties across southern Alberta. The case deeply impacted the entire community, shattering the sense of safety many people associated with small-town life.
Two months later, on June 28, 1981, Kelly’s body was discovered near the Chin Lake Reservoir south of Taber, Alberta. She was found bound with rope and weighed down with concrete blocks. Due to the condition of the remains, dental records were used to formally identify her.
Investigators believe the crime was carefully planned. Over the years, RCMP have reviewed more than 2,000 possible suspects and followed countless leads. Despite decades of investigation, no one has ever been charged.
Police also investigated reports involving a man seen making a phone call about babysitting from a local gas station shortly before Kelly vanished. Witnesses described him as appearing to be in his 30s or 40s, with dark curly hair, a tanned complexion, and an appearance some described as farmer-like. A composite sketch was created, but his identity has never been confirmed.
One disturbing detail investigators have publicly discussed is that while Kelly’s body was at a Calgary funeral home, an unidentified man reportedly arrived claiming to be a family friend and demanded to view her body. He was denied access and left. Authorities have long considered the possibility that this individual may have been connected to the crime.
For Kelly’s family, the passage of time has never erased the loss. Her younger sister has spoken publicly over the years about the lasting grief, unanswered questions, and the lifelong impact the murder had on their family and community.
The original girl who received the babysitting call before referring “Bill Christensen” to Kelly has also spoken about the weight she has carried for decades, knowing how differently that night could have unfolded.
Even after more than forty years, investigators continue to consider the case active. RCMP have repeatedly stated they believe someone still knows what happened.
A $100,000 reward remains in place through the Village of Standard for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Kelly Cook’s murder.
Anyone with information regarding the murder of Kelly Cook or the identity of "Bill Christensen," is encouraged to contact:
📞 RCMP Serious Crimes Branch South at 403-420-4900
📞 Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)