Press Release: Cold Case Breaks as Authorities Arrest Suspect in 1978 Double Homicide
West Springfield, MA – Authorities have made a significant breakthrough in a haunting cold case, arresting Timothy Scott Joley in connection with the double murder of Theresa Marcoux, 18, and Mark Harnish, 20, which occurred on November 17, 1978. Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced the arrest at a press conference on Wednesday.
The tragic discovery was made by a patrol officer who found a damaged pickup truck with blood spattered around it on Route 5. The victims were found outside the vehicle, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. For decades, the case remained unsolved despite extensive fingerprint analysis matching a latent print found on the truck to over 70,000 others without success.
Recent developments led investigators to Joley, now 71, after a tip linked him to the crime. Evidence indicates that Joley lived in West Springfield at the time of the murders and had purchased a Colt handgun shortly before the incident. A fingerprint from Joley matched the one collected from the crime scene, allegedly found during his 2000 application for a taxicab license.
Gulluni expressed deep gratitude for the patience of the victims’ families, underscoring the hope for justice even after many years. "This pursuit of justice is never easy… we do not forget," he stated, acknowledging the profound impact of the crime and the importance of continuing to seek justice for families affected by homicide.
Joley was charged with two counts of murder on October 29 and was arrested the following day at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Authorities are coordinating his extradition to Massachusetts to face formal charges. As the community reflects on this long-awaited development, the memory of Marcoux and Harnish remains alive, honored as young lives tragically cut short.
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Photo credit www.boston.com
