Investigators have identified a woman found shot to death on a logging road in western Massachusetts nearly 45 years ago using advanced genetic testing.
Patricia Ann Tucker, age 28, was discovered on November 15, 1978. A group of children playing in Granby discovered her body on November 15, 1978 concealed beneath a pile of leaves and a log. Monday at a news conference, investigators stated that she had been shot in the temple and that they believed she had been murdered three months earlier in August 1978.
The “Granby Girl” was interred in a local cemetery with a headstone that read “Unknown” for decades.
David Sullivan, district attorney for Northwestern, stated that Massachusetts authorities obtained Tucker’s DNA profile from a forensic laboratory and eventually identified a woman in Maryland who was likely related to Tucker. The police made contact with the woman. She led them to Tucker’s 5-year-old son, who was present when Tucker disappeared. Comparison of his DNA to Tucker’s resulted in a 100% parent/child match.
Matthew Dale’s son said in a statement read at the news conference by First Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne, “First, I would like to thank everyone for their efforts in attempting to identify my mother and wrapping your arms around her, especially the community of Granby.” “Thank you for persevering with her. I finally have some answers after 44 years. It’s a lot to take in, but hopefully the resolution can now commence.”
According to CBS Boston, Gagne stated that the “investigation will continue until we identify her murderer and provide the family with additional closure and justice.”
This investigation has spanned decades and will continue until every conceivable lead has been investigated, he said.
It is currently unknown who murdered Tucker, who was married multiple times. She was known by the names Patricia Heckman and Patricia Dale as well. Patricia Coleman, who was married to Gerald Coleman, was known as Patricia Coleman at the time of her disappearance and murder. The two were East Hampton, Connecticut residents.
According to Gagne, Coleman never reported his wife as missing.
Coleman, who died in a Massachusetts state prison in 1996, is a person of interest in the murder of his wife, according to police.
Anyone with relevant information should contact Granby Police at 413-467-9222 or jwhite@granbypd.org.