Sheriff: Decades-old murder case still active investigation

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FOX 35 Orlando) - Tuesday marked exactly 27 years since an Osceola County woman was abducted. Ruth Haut was later found dead in an orange grove.

Family members and investigators on Tuesday held a vigil to remember Haut and bring attention to the unsolved case.

“She would have done anything for anybody. There was no reason for this person to do this. The big question is why,” said Jean Wagner, Haut’s partner.

Osceola County deputies say, on February 26, 1992, Haut was kidnapped from her office on John Young Parkway in Kissimmee, where she was worked as a chiropractor.  Then, someone was caught on camera using her ATM card at a bank in Vero Beach. The next morning, investigators say the 41-year-old was found stabbed to death in an orange grove in st. Cloud.

Nephew Stephen Madonna created a Facebook page dedicated to the case.

“The family needs closure. Her sisters are not doing well health wise. They would like to finally get closure on that,” Madonna said.

The sheriff in Osceola County says the investigation is active, but his agency released few details about any potential leads

“Twenty-seven years, four sheriffs later, we’re working this case,” said Sheriff Russ Gibson. "The potential killer, if still alive, he or she could be watching this program right now. We want to be careful what we say, we don’t want to play our cards like that.” 

Haut’s loved ones are convinced someone knows something. They’re hoping that person will come forward. There is a $5,000 reward for information on the case.