Dredging Operation locates car in Dubuque cold case

Dubuque Police say a recent dredging operation along the Mississippi River resulted in the retrieval and identification of a vehicle belonging to a Dubuque man who went missing over 30 years ago. According to Police Lt. Brendan Welsh, a 1981 Mercury Zephyr belonging to Paul J. Knockel, of Dubuque, was located October 12th near the Hawthorne Street boat ramp in Dubuque by employees from Newt Marine Service. Knockel was reported missing on November 25, 1990, after failing to show up at a family gathering and missing work for several days. The location of the vehicle is the first major update in the case since his disappearance. Welsh said no human remains were found in the vehicle. Anyone with information is urged to call police at 563-589-4430.