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Anoka County Remembers Cold Case Victim — Margaret Twyla Loken
Anoka County Remembers Cold Case Victim — Margaret Twyla Loken
Anniversary of discovery marks renewed call for tips
ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. — The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is commemorating the anniversary of the discovery of 52-year-old Margaret Twyla “Peg” Loken, whose body was found on October 12, 2001, in the burned remains of her home in what is now the City of Nowthen.
According to investigators, Loken died from blunt force trauma and strangulation during a burglary at her residence. The perpetrator then set the house on fire, apparently in an attempt to destroy evidence.
The case remains unsolved after nearly a quarter of a century. The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Homicide Unit reports that while one person was arrested and pleaded guilty to aiding an offender, there was insufficient evidence to charge a second individual believed to have been involved.
Case Summary & Known Facts
- Victim: Margaret Twyla “Peg” Loken, 52, resident of what is now Nowthen, Anoka County
- Date Discovered: October 12, 2001
- Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma and strangulation
- Aftermath: Fire intentionally set to destroy evidence
- Legal Developments: One person pleaded guilty to aiding an offender; a second was not charged due to lack of sufficient evidence
Although few public records remain regarding the case’s legal proceedings, the Anoka County Cold Case Unit continues to actively seek new information. Detectives believe someone may still hold key details that could finally bring justice for Loken and closure to her loved ones.
“Even the smallest piece of information could make a difference,” the Sheriff’s Office emphasized in a recent statement. “If you know something, please come forward — you can remain anonymous.”
How You Can Help
Anyone with information about the murder of Margaret Twyla Loken is urged to contact the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit. Tips can be submitted anonymously via email at ACSOColdCases@anokacountymn.gov.
As the community reflects on the anniversary of her tragic death, law enforcement and residents alike renew their call for justice — a reminder that even decades later, it is never too late to speak up.
