Mary Theresa Simpson was 12 years old when she disappeared from her home in Elmira in March 1964. Her body was found four days later, but the suspect has not yet been identified.
More than 60 years later, police believe they have finally solved the mystery of Mary’s death.
The Elmira Police Department plans to hold a news conference at the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office on Lake Street in Elmira on February 10 at 1 p.m.
Police Chief Christine Thorne said the purpose of the press conference was to bring closure to the long-unsolved murder case once the suspect is identified.
Here’s what we know.
What happened to Mary Theresa Simpson?
Mary was last seen around 6:30 p.m. on March 15, 1964, at the corner of East Market Street and Harriet Street, after visiting some relatives. Her father reported her missing at 10:30 p.m.
On March 19, 1964, a man hiking with his two sons near Combs Hill Road discovered Mary’s frozen, fully clothed body in a wooded area in Southport, strewn with branches, leaves, dirt and four heavy rocks (the largest of which weighed 100 pounds).
Mary Theresa Simpson, 1964
Only part of her hands and sneakers are visible. Her mouth was stuffed with dirt and branches, police said at the time.
The Jimmon County medical examiner said Mary was strangled and there was evidence of sexual harassment.
Despite years of intensive investigation and hundreds of interviews, the case went cold.
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What will police share about the February 10 case?
At a press conference on February 10, investigators will discuss significant advances made through modern forensic analysis, including DNA testing and investigative genetic genealogy, as well as investigative steps to solve decades-old cases.
The press conference is not open to the public. More details will be provided at the briefing.
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This article originally appeared in the Elmira Star-Telegram: Elmira police plan update on cold case of 1964 Mary Simpson murder
