“Each cold case represents a person who matters deeply to someone,” District Attorney Ray Tierney said when announcing Suffolk County’s latest slate of cold cases his office vows to solve.
“Adding their cases to our website not only honors the victims’ memory, but also provides new pathways for the public to contribute meaningfully to long-standing investigations."
Tierney’s Cold Case Task Force officially released previously undisclosed details about the cases on Monday, September 15th. The initiative reflects a renewed effort to bring closure to families who have waited decades for justice and answers.
In partnership with the Suffolk County Police Department and sketch artist Danielle Gruttadaurio, as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, authentic renderings were drawn up to depict what the three victims likely looked like around the time they were slain. These images, officials hope, will jog memories and encourage witnesses or relatives to come forward.
“Montauk Mary” was found shot to death on March 22, 1978. Believed to be in her 60s, her remains were discovered in East Overlook Park. Despite numerous leads over the years, her true identity remains unknown.
The bloodied and handcuffed remains of “Melville John Doe,” an unidentified Hispanic male, were found on Chateau Drive in Melville on August 8, 1990. He had been shot several times, and investigators believe the manner of death points to a targeted killing.
Lastly, “Brentwood John Doe’s” skeletal remains were located near the Brentwood Freshman Center Elementary School. Investigators determined he was either White or Hispanic, between 15 and 17 years old. His cause of death remains undetermined, though foul play is strongly suspected.
Authorities are offering a reward of up to $2,000 for tips leading to the identification of any of the victims. For more information, visit www.suffolkcountyda.org/cold-cases/.