"Granby Girl" Identified Using DNA Analysis
Investigators Identify Cold Case Murder Victim as Missing Connecticut Woman
By Shawn R. Dagle
In the autumn of 1978, a young woman’s body was found partially buried near a logging road in Granby, Massachusetts. Dressed in a pair of blue jeans, a blouse and shoes the woman (who had been shot in the temple) had no identification.
Police were unable to determine the identity of the unknown woman who was taken to a local funeral home and later buried in West Cemetery in Granby.
It would take another four decades before advanced genetic testing would allow investigators to determine the identity of the murdered woman. On March 6 - at a press conference at the Granby police station - Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan announced that at last the woman had been identified.
Using genetic genealogy investigators were able to determine that the victim was Patricia Ann Tucker – a 28 year-old-woman from East Hampton, Connecticut who had gone missing in the late ‘70s.
Born on July 28, 1950 Tucker had been married three times and also gone by the name Patricia Heckman and Patricia Dale. Her third and final marriage was to Gerald Coleman.
Patricia and Gerald were married in Middletown, Connecticut in 1977 and lived on the eastern shore of Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton at the time she disappeared. Gerald Coleman never reported his wife missing according to police and later died in Massachusetts state prison in 1996.
On November 15, 1978 three people were cutting wood in the area of Amherst Road in Granby when at approximately four p.m. that afternoon one found Patricia’s body partially buried under a log or leaves (depending on the account). Patricia had been shot in the left temple and the bullet had exited the right side of her head and was never discovered according to press reports at the time.
A belt was reportedly found around Patricia’s neck that may have been used either to strangle her or to drag her body to where it was found.
Press reports indicated that investigators at least initially could not determine whether Patricia had been sexually assaulted since her body was so badly decomposed.
At the time police told reporters they were not certain whether Patricia was murdered at the scene or elsewhere.
A gold wedding ring – possibly a wedding ring – was also discovered with Patricia’s remains.
Despite their best effort police were not able to identify Patricia. In the press she became known as “the Granby Girl.”
Then approximately two years ago investigators sought the help of Othram – a private forensic laboratory in Houston, Texas – to see if any DNA could be obtained from evidence found at the scene.
According to investigators Othram was able to obtain a DNA profile and through genetic genealogy was able to link that DNA to a woman in Maryland. Police contacted the woman who led them to Patricia’s adult son (who was just five-years-old when she disappeared).
A comparison of Granby Girl’s and Patricia’s son’s DNA resulted in a 100 percent match say police.
“While it’s satisfying to finally know who ‘Granby Girl’ actually was, the investigation won’t stop until we identify her killer and bring the family an additional measure of closure and justice,” First Assistant District Attorney Steven E. Gagne explained at the press conference. “This investigation has spanned decades, and will continue until each and every possible lead is explored.”
According to police Patricia’s husband Gerald Coleman is a person of interest in her murder.
"Unsolved cases sometimes seem to go cold, but investigators never give up,” explained Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan. “The Massachusetts State Police, Granby Police and Northwestern District Attorney’s staff worked collaboratively for years to achieve this breakthrough in the investigation, and—most importantly—provide some answers to victim’s family.”
A statement from Patricia’s son Matthew Dale was also read at the press conference.
"I would like to say thank you to everyone in trying to identify my mother and wrapping your arms around her, especially the community of Granby. Thank you for never giving up on her. At least I have some answers now after 44 years. It's a lot to process, but hopefully, closure can begin now,” read Matthew’s statement.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Granby Police Department at 413-467-9222, email at jwhite@granbypd.org, or submit a message through the website, http://www.granbypd.org/
-March 25, 2023
Sources
Massachusetts State Police
The Daily Hampshire Gazette “Woman Pursues 1978 Case of Granby Girl” Patrick Johnson September 7, 2015
The Transcript Telegram “Body Discovered in Granby” November 16, 1978
The Transcript Telegram “Week in Review” November 18, 1978
Springfield Morning Union “Shot Killed Girl Found in Granby”