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You are here: Home / Cold Case News / Theresa Corley: DNA found

Theresa Corley: DNA found

December 3, 2017 By Alice

Theresa M. Corley/Massachusetts Gov.
Theresa M. Corley/Massachusetts Gov.

In April 2016, I wrote that Theresa M. Corley‘s case needed a review with modern technology. It has been done.

In May 2017, the authorities exhumed Theresa’s body. They collected nine and a half fingernails. The goal of course, looking for DNA.

Theresa was only 19 years old on Dec. 6, 1978 when she was raped and murdered. She worked to finance her college education and wanted to a pediatrician.

If Theresa fought back there is a good chance the attacker’s DNA is under her nails. If so, this DNA sample could produce a profile that can be compared to profiles in national databases. Whether that is possible depends on the number and the condition of the cells found.

The DNA that the technicians found didn’t come from under her finger nails. I have not been able to find yet if anything was found underneath her nails however, the DNA found came from her jeans. It appears to be a complete profile.

It was a small semen sample and police waited a good while to be sure that the DNA technology would be able to handle such a small sample. Earlier technology might have used up the entire sample and may not have given them any results. Their patience, as trying as it was for them and for all who care, paid off.

State police say a group of men gave Theresa a ride to a Franklin apartment, where she was sexually assaulted. Theresa was last seen hitchhiking, a mile away from her home in Bellingham early the next morning.

Theresa Corley’s nude body was found on Dec. 8 on the northbound side of Route 495 in Bellingham, Massachusetts. Her jacket and jeans were thrown next to her. Now after all these years, we have a good chance to find out who was responsible for the rape-murder of Theresa Corley.

Remember that just like in the case of Patricia Smith the prosecution can charge this person as a John Doe.

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Filed Under: Cold Case News, Unsolved Tagged With: DNA, Massachusetts, Theresa M. Corley

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Author Notes

On this website, I write about old, unsolved cases. Most are from the pre-DNA era and are in need of renewed media attention. I only do research and leave the active investigation of these cases to the professionals.

My posts are about homicides, missing and unidentified people, wrongful convictions, and forensics as related to these cases.

On book reviews: I only review select works of true crime, crime fiction, and historical fiction/mysteries. The stories have to fit my website's theme and research. It remains my prerogative to not review a book.

My database has over 325 cases listed by the victim’s last name. You will find a brief description there as well. The database will always be free to the public to use. You cannot buy ad space on my website, ever.

All writing suggestions that come in by email are added to my to-do list in the order in which they were received. Please be patient. My to-do list is very long but no case gets dropped and I will get back in touch.

Defrosting Cold Cases is NOT an organization. It is my brainchild.

If you have any questions about my website please check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, the about page, and the tabs in both menu bars. If you still cannot find the answer there, please contact me.

Thank you,

Alice de Sturler

Copyright

If you use my work, please add a link back. Let your readers know where you found your information. I do the same for you. Thank you!

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Copyright: Please add a link back if you use my work. Let your readers know where you found your information. I do the same for you. If you need help with this, just contact me. Thank you, Alice de Sturler

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