MAINE State Police detectives have arrested a 55-year-old man in the grisly 1980 slaying of Rita St. Peter, 20. On July 5, 1980, cops say the attractive young woman had been drinking at a bar in Madison and staying with friends in nearby Anson, working at a drive-in restaurant. She was last seen walking across a bridge in the early morning hours until her body was found dumped later that day. Cops said at the time they had suspects in the slaying but couldn't seal the deal and the case went cold. Although detectives would not confirm the cause of death at the time, the Bangor Daily News said she had been severely beaten and then run over by a car. In 1980, one law enforcement official suggested that St. Peter's murder may be linked to that of a 24-year-old teacher from Philadelphia whose skelton was found in the area. Cops arrested Jay S. Mercier, 55. Mercier is not a suspect in any other unsolved murders in Maine, McCausland said in a telephone interview.
“This is the oldest cold case to date that we’ve been able to solve,” Lt. Christopher Coleman of the Maine State Police told the Bangor Daily News. MORE IN THE BANGOR NEWS
I am the niece of Rita, and I can't tell you how relieved I am and how my family is now at peace knowing that her killer has been arrested. Now my Aunt can finally rest in peace. Much thanks and appreciation to the Maine State Police who never gave up on her, or her case. Thank you for bringing us peace.
ReplyDeleteWe're delighted too Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteYeah God bless your family Cheryl. My babysitter was murdered in 1973, her murder was finally solved in 2002. Justice takes time sometimes, even decades.
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