Decades-Old Cold Case Revived: New Suspect Charged in 1984 Long Island Murder
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A breakthrough in forensic technology has led to the indictment of a new suspect, Richard Bilodeau, 63, in the 1984 murder of 16-year-old Theresa Fusco of Long Island, New York. The case, which previously resulted in the wrongful conviction of three men, was reopened due to advancements in DNA analysis.
The Lingering Shadow of a 1984 Tragedy
Theresa Fusco disappeared in November 1984 after finishing her shift at a skating rink in Lynbrook.Weeks later, her body was discovered in a wooded area near the rink, having suffered a brutal assault. The investigation initially focused on three men who worked as transporters, ultimately leading to thier convictions. However,those convictions were overturned in 2003 thanks to advancements in DNA testing,which definitively exonerated them.
The wrongly convicted men later filed lawsuits for wrongful imprisonment, with two receiving settlements of $18 million each. The case highlighted the fallibility of early forensic science and the devastating consequences of misidentification.
A Straw Provides the Key to a Decades-Old mystery
The renewed investigation gained momentum last year with the development of new investigative leads. In February 2024, authorities recovered a glass and straw allegedly used and discarded by Bilodeau at a smoothie shop in neighboring Suffolk County. Subsequent analysis revealed that the DNA extracted from the straw matched a sample taken from Fusco’s body in 1984.
“The past has not been forgotten,” Nassau County Prosecutor Anne Donnelly stated at a news conference following Bilodeau’s arraignment. “We will never stop fighting for the victims. my office is resolute to get justice for Theresa and her family.”
confrontation and Plea
During the arraignment, a deputy prosecutor recounted a chilling exchange with Bilodeau after investigators confronted him with the DNA evidence. According to the prosecutor, Bilodeau reportedly stated, “Yes, in those days people got away with murder.” The prosecutor responded in court with a stark declaration: “Well, Mr. Bilodeau, it is 2025 and your time has come.” Bilodeau pleaded not guilty and was remanded to county jail. His attorney, jason Russo, declined to comment, citing the recent nature of their meeting.
A Father’s Enduring Grief and Hope
The arrest brought a wave of emotion for Thomas Fusco,Theresa’s father,who was present in the Mineola courtroom. He described the experience as “heartbreaking” to relive his daughter’s death “over and over again,” but expressed hope that the arrest would finally bring closure.
“I loved her and I miss her.She lives in my heart, as you can see,” Fusco shared with reporters, displaying a photograph of his daughter. “I never lost hope. I’ve always had faith in the system.”
Echoes of Other Disappearances
Fusco’s murder occurred during a period of heightened fear on Long Island, as two other teenage girls, Kelly Morrissey, 15, and Jacqueline Martarella, 19, also disappeared around the same time. Morrissey vanished in early 1984 and was never found. Martarella’s body was discovered the following year on a golf course. The three men initially convicted of Fusco’s murder had connections to Morrissey, and later DNA evidence revealed another perpetrator was responsible for her death.
The investigation into the disappearances of Morrissey and Martarella remains open, and authorities are re-examining evidence in light of the advancements in forensic science.
Looking Ahead
Bilodeau faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted. The case serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of violent crime and the relentless pursuit of justice, even decades after the fact. The successful use of forensic DNA evidence in this case underscores the importance of continued investment in scientific advancements and their application to cold case investigations.
