Date: January 5, 1981, marks a day of profound sorrow in the history of Moore, Oklahoma. Tracey Neilson, a vibrant 21-year-old student at Oklahoma State University, met a tragic end on what should have been a celebratory day - her 21st birthday. This case, still shrouded in mystery, remains an emblematic example of the complexities and challenges of criminal investigations.

Tracey Neilson, known for her bright spirit and academic prowess, was navigating the early stages of adulthood with promise and enthusiasm. Married for just five months to Jeff Neilson, a medical student at the University of Oklahoma, Tracey's life was a blend of academic commitments and the joys of newlywed life. The couple resided in Jamestown Square, a modest apartment complex in Moore, a city known for its close-knit community and peaceful surroundings.

The events of January 5 unfolded with a chilling discovery. Tracey was found deceased in the apartment she shared with her husband. The circumstances of her death were alarming and raised immediate concerns. The investigation that ensued sought to piece together the final moments of Tracey's life, a task that would prove to be daunting and, to date, unresolved.

The Moore Police Department, along with state investigators, embarked on a rigorous inquiry. One of the early focal points of the investigation was Jeff Neilson, Tracey's husband. However, as reported by PEOPLE, Jeff was quickly ruled out as a suspect, shifting the investigative lens onto a wider array of possibilities.