Campbellsport, Wis. – The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that its cold‑case team is expanding the search for 5‑year‑old Robert “Bobby Jo” Fritz, who disappeared on May 14, 1983. The investigation, now in its 43rd year, has moved beyond the original residence to additional locations identified as potential evidence sites.

Recent excavation yields items for lab analysis

Earlier this year detectives conducted a careful excavation at the Fritz family home, the last place the boy was seen alive. Workers recovered several items of interest, which were promptly sent to a private laboratory for forensic testing. Results are still pending, but investigators say the evidence could provide new leads.

New digs in southeast Fond du Lac County

Building on that effort, the sheriff’s office has begun excavating at two newly identified sites in the county’s southeast region. Those locations were selected after a review of historical records, witness statements, and modern geographic analysis that suggested they might contain material linked to the disappearance.

“We remain fully committed to uncovering the facts surrounding Bobby Jo’s disappearance and bringing closure to his family,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tyler Tikkanen. “Because this case is still active, we will release additional information only when it does not compromise the integrity of the investigation.”

How the public can help

Authorities continue to rely on community tips. Anyone with information—no matter how small—who believes it could be relevant is urged to contact Detective Tyler Tikkanen at 920‑929‑3384. The sheriff’s office also directs the public to the Wisconsin Department of Justice missing persons page for further details.

Historical context and ongoing dedication

The Fritz case is one of several unsolved disappearances that have haunted Fond du Lac County over the decades. While modern forensic techniques have solved many cold cases nationwide, this investigation underscores the challenges of a case that predates DNA analysis and digital record‑keeping.

Nevertheless, the county’s law‑enforcement officials stress that advances in forensic science, combined with renewed community involvement, give them renewed optimism. “Every credible lead is pursued,” Tikkanen added. “We will not rest until we have answered the questions that have haunted this family for over four decades.”

Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.