Photography Andy Myers
This morning Mildred, the mother of Teresa “Tess” Sue Hilt, passed away. She was 88 years old.
Tess was the only child of Stanley and Mildred Elizabeth Hilt. Stanley Hilt passed away not knowing who murdered his girl.
Tess was found murdered on August 4, 1973. She had been beaten, raped, and was strangled to death. Her remains were found in her off campus apartment in Maryville, Missouri.
Tess was attending Northwest Missouri State College. She was a music major and pursued a post graduate psychology degree.
I have many concerns in her case which are explained here. After renewing media attention for her case, various scenarios remained open to investigate. The authorities are still looking into these. All the posts that I wrote about her unsolved murder can be found here.
In 2013, I spoke to Mildred and she told me about her only daughter. She told me how excited Tess was when she got her driver’s license. Mrs. Hilt remembered that Tess had a small Buick and loved to drive. She would drive you to the market, the dry cleaner, anywhere.
The only solace we have is that the Hilt family is reunited. Tess can now tell her mom who is responsible for her murder. I just wish that Tess could whisper it to us as well.
Rest in peace, Mildred Elizabeth Hilt.
