歪歪漫画

ST. PAUL 鈥� Thirty-five years after Cheryl Prokop's 4-year-old daughter in her St. Paul apartment, the cold case is gaining a renewed sense of momentum.

An anonymous donor is offering $10,000 for any information leading to an arrest and conviction in Prokop鈥檚 case.

On the morning of Dec. 2, 1988, Prokop鈥檚 4-year-old daughter discovered her body on the floor of their Vista Village Townhome apartments.

Hours later, the young girl walked into the apartment caretaker's office and reported her mother had died.

Prokop's body was discovered shortly before noon, according to an Associated Press article from the time.

Investigators determined Prokop had been strangled at some point overnight. Initially, law enforcement told the Associated Press they suspected one or two assailants, who they believe were likely seen by Prokop's daughter.

A motive was not determined at that time.

The case was taken on by the St. Paul Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).

In a by the BCA, Superintendent Drew Evans said forensics has been a key component of the investigation throughout the decades.

Despite advancements in DNA technology and tips received over the years, the BCA and St. Paul Police Department are relying on new leads to keep the case alive.

鈥淲e as a department never forget victims and their families who are left behind seeking answers,鈥� Saint Paul Police Chief Axel Henry said in the press release. 鈥淲e will continue to seek those answers and are committed to providing closure for families and bringing every offender to justice.鈥�

Prokop was 23 years old at the time of her death. She was enrolled at the St. Paul Technical Institute, where she was studying medical secretary courses, according to a Star Tribune article from 1988.

She and her daughter had lived alone at the apartment complex for three years. In a Star Tribune article from 1988, the caretaker described Prokop as "a very nice, quiet person."

Throughout the course of the investigation, Prokop's family has continued to search for information. They're hoping the reward will encourage the person 鈥� or people 鈥� with information about their daughter's death to finally come forward.

鈥淲e鈥檝e waited for 35 years to understand why Cheryl was killed and who did it," her father, Dick Prokop, said in the press release. "Nothing can bring her back, but maybe this reward will help lead to some answers. If you know what happened, please report what you know.鈥�

Any information about Prokop鈥檚 death can be provided anonymously by contacting the BCA at 877-996-6222 or at bca.tips@state.mn.us. Tips can also be sent through the BCA鈥檚 See It Say It Send It tip app.