Half a century has passed since the chilling homicide of an unknown man in a shallow grave in Burlington, but the quest for his identity continues unabated. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Burlington Police Chief Thomas Browne appealed to the public for assistance on the 50th anniversary of the case, which dates back to May 22, 1975. As detailed by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, the victim was believed to be in his late twenties or early thirties, sporting long dark hair, and, possibly a beard.
Despite numerous leads over the years, no identifying breakthroughs were made until a warrant authorized the exhumation of the remains in 2023. Forensic scientists and genealogists got involved, extracting DNA from the victim's bones and teeth with the assistance of experts at Othram Inc., a firm specializing in forensic genetic genealogy. Their analysis suggests the man was likely of Southern European descent, stated the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. However, as of yet, no close relatives have been identified.
"Thousands of families across our country have lost loved ones to murder," said Ryan, highlighting the importance of bringing closure to affected families. Chief Browne expressed his gratitude for the ongoing efforts and the multi-agency collaboration, all in hope of finally putting a name to the face of the victim, as was obtained by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. The renewed investigation puts forward a call to action, especially reaching out to New England families of Italian, Spanish, or Greek extraction, who may recall a young male relative disappearing in the early '70s.
Contact has been made easier for those who might hold key information, with authorities urging them to call 781-897-6600, or to send an email to [email protected]. The efforts to solve this decades-old mystery involve Trooper Mark Delaney of the Massachusetts State Police, Lt. Glen Mills of the Burlington Police Department, and Assistant District Attorney David Solet, who leads the Cold Case Homicide Unit. It stands as a testament to the persistence of investigators, who remain dedicated to unearthing the truth, and ensuring that even the silence of the past may someday speak, as detailed by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office.
