By Sara Quam
It was two months ago that all state government buildings raised their flags just half-staff in honor of Carrie Nelson. At that same time, friends, family and acquaintances wore orange ribbons in her name.
Investigators are among those who haven't forgotten the 20-year-old woman murdered May 20 while working at Blue Mounds State Park.
Clyde Menning of the Rock County Sheriff's Department is the lead investigator for the case. But county law enforcement isn't alone in the investigation. Fourteen state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigators, numerous Department of Natural Resources workers, State Patrol officers, along with Rock County deputies, have put in time with the investigation.
Menning said, "The BCA is still giving the case as much time as possible."
Still key to solving the murder is information on the watch found at the scene of the beating. Investigators think the watch was worn by the person responsible for the robbery and murder.
The digital watch face bears the logo "Field Ranger" and is silver. The watchband is tan with brown leather accents.
Anyone with knowledge of a person wearing a watch matching this description is asked to call the tip line at (507) 283-1301.
The reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder has been increased to $15,000.
Menning said the watch hasn't generated as many tips as the department had originally hoped, but the case isn't cold yet.
"There have been numerous law enforcement personnel from other departments to help track down leads," he said. "The Minnehaha Sheriff's Department and Sioux Falls Police have been helpful in giving us information."
The state crime lab also got involved when evidence needed to be processed.
Menning said, "We continue to try to collect evidence and follow leads."
Menning said the Field Ranger watch is an inexpensive one that could have been purchased at any of a number of discount retailers.
"If anyone has additional information, give us a call, because we haven't got this solved yet," Menning said.