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Two Arrested in Connection with Rape, Murder of Bensalem Teen in 1984

Published  October 2, 2015 5:19pm EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

BENSALEM, PA (WTXF) - Friday morning, authorities in Bucks County announced the arrests of two people responsible for the rape and murder of a 14-year-old Bensalem girl in 1984.

George Shaw and Robert Sanders have been taken into custody outside of Bucks County, and are expected to be extradited in the near future.

Barbara Rowan was reported missing by her parents on August 3 rd of 1984. Bensalem Township authorities later discovered Rowan's body nearly two weeks later on August 16 th , in a wooded area between Route 1 North and River Drive in Bensalem.

Authorities have charged Shaw with criminal homicide and rape. Sanders was charged with hindering apprehension.

Investigators say a suspect developed during the original investigation, but charges were not filed due to insufficient evidence.

In the spring of 2002 the case was reassigned. Eventually new leads developed, leading to the arrests of Shaw and Sanders.

Shaw was arrested in Seminole County, Florida. Sanders was arrested in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.