There were just too many unanswered questions. Since that decision, the families say, evidence disproving accidental death has poured in-from a forensic pathologist, private investigators, a fire investigator and a Chrysler probe. Now they want North Dakota officials to take another look. And 2,553 others joined them in their battle. For nearly two months, a petition seeking to reactivate the case has circulated in the border region.
Copies wound their way to Washington and Wyoming, trailed into Texas and Utah.
Late last month, they were forwarded to federal and state agencies, including governor s offices, in Montana and North Dakota. Tuesday, representatives of the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the McKenzie County Sheriff s department and the state fire marshal s office met to discuss the matter. McCollum noted the car s sooty Montana license plate was registered in Richland County. I didn t find out until later, he said. I knew the kids, watched them grow up.