Mourners again say goodbye to Siders

NEWAYGO, Mich. (WOOD) - On October 15, 1989, the body of Shannon Siders was discovered in a federal forest. Exactly 23 years later, dozens of mourners gathered once again to say goodbye as her body was re-buried in a Newaygo County cemetery.

The 18-year-old was abducted on July 18, 1989 and murdered, but the case remains unsolved.

Over the past year, a cold case team has been re-investigating the case, and on July 26, her remains were exhumed in the hope new clues would be found to help solve the crime.

Shannon Siders' father told 24 Hour News 8 Monday that he is now hopeful the investigation will lead police to Shannon's killer.

"It's another bridge. It's another bridge to cross. The next bridge I hope is an arrest," said Robert Siders. "It's time for an arrest. It's time for some punishment. Somebody's got to pay. It's time. It's past time."

He said the exhumation was worth it.

"It proved to be fruitful and I think Shannon helped them on the investigation and now we can return her to her grave and send her on her journey," said Siders.

For 23 years, Siders has waited without peace.

"What would my grandkids be? Common ditch diggers or the doctor who invents a cure for cancer? I'll never know that and you think about those things," he said.

He has grown close to the cold case team and said he is more confident than ever before that there will be justice for Shannon.

"I have met everyone of them. They are part of the family now," he said. "I think it's going to happen. I am trying not to make that wishful thinking. I honestly believe that there is going to be an arrest."