July 22, 2026 – Fond du Lac Co., WI – The execution of a search warrant at the residence was completed late yesterday, and the scene has been released back to the property owner, who has no connection to the Fritz family or this case. While the remains of Bobby Jo Fritz were not located, investigators did recover new potential evidence that will undergo further analysis. Detectives remain hopeful that this evidence will provide further insight into what happened to Bobby Jo.
Cold cases like this one remain open and active. As veteran detectives retire and new investigators take over, fresh perspectives often bring renewed energy to these investigations. Advances in technology and investigative techniques that were unavailable in 1983 also continue to open new avenues. It was this combination of new eyes, persistent follow-up, and modern-day resources that led to this search.
Over the past year, detectives identified and interviewed several individuals—some of whom had never been spoken to before—who may have connections to the case. A thorough review of the original case file, paired with these new interviews, generated sufficient probable cause for a search warrant.
The initial search of the basement at Bobby Jo’s former home uncovered potential evidence, prompting a full-scale excavation involving Sheriff’s Office detectives, DCI agents, crime scene analysts, crime lab personnel, and a forensic anthropologist. In total, investigators removed and processed approximately 500 five-gallon buckets full of dirt by hand from the basement.
This equated to a total weight of approximately 30,000 pounds of soil that was then sifted by hand, searched, and items of interest collected for processing. This was a manpower intensive operation, with the excavation completed entirely with hand tools.
Additional items of potential evidentiary value were recovered and collected. All evidence seized during the search will be submitted to specialized laboratories for detailed analysis. This process can take several months, and sometimes over a year.
Although we share the community’s disappointment that Bobby Jo’s remains were not found, investigators are optimistic that the newly collected evidence will generate fresh leads and help bring answers to this 43-year-old case.
Anyone with information that may be relevant to the disappearance of Bobby Jo Fritz is strongly encouraged to contact Detective Tyler Tikkanen at 920-929-3384. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the Fond du Lac County Tip Line at 920-906-4777.
Sheriff Ryan F. Waldschmidt
Below is an initial article posted on the search.
July 21, 2026 – Fond du Lac Co., Wi – The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to investigating unsolved crimes and cold cases, including an investigation into the disappearance of Robert “Bobby Jo” Fritz on May 14, 1983.
Bobby Jo Fritz
On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Sheriff’s Office detectives executed a search warrant related to this case at the village of Campbellsport home Bobby Jo lived in at the time he went missing. During the search, potential evidence related to the case was located.
As a result of those findings, a larger scale excavation is currently taking place inside the basement of the home.
Detectives are currently working in coordination with agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Crime Lab to identify, collect, and process any additional evidence that may be located.
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to uncovering the facts surrounding Bobby Jo’s disappearance and bringing closure to his family. As this remains an active and ongoing investigation, additional information will only be released at a time when it will not compromise case integrity.
Click HERE to learn more about the disappearance of Bobby Jo at the Wisconsin Dept. of Justice Clearinghouse for Missing and Exploited Children
If you have any information you believe may be relevant to this case, please contact Detective Tyler Tikkanen at 920-929-3384. You can also leave anonymous information on the Fond du Lac County Tip Line by calling 920-906-4777.
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