theguardian.com
1978 Double Murder Solved by Fingerprint Match
A 46-year-old cold case double murder is solved in Massachusetts after a fingerprint from a taxi application is matched to evidence from the crime scene.
English
United Kingdom
JusticeUs PoliticsInvestigationCrimeArrestForensic Science
Hampden County District Attorney's Office
Timothy JoleyMark HarnishTheresa MarcouxAnthony Gulluni
- Who was arrested and for what crime?
- Timothy Joley, 71, was arrested in Florida for the 1978 double murder of Mark Harnish and Theresa Marcoux in Massachusetts. His fingerprint, found on Harnish's truck, was matched to one from a taxi application he submitted in 2000.
- What were the legal proceedings following the arrest?
- After his arrest on October 30th, Joley waived his extradition to Massachusetts. He appeared in court on November 5th and faces two counts of murder, potentially leading to life imprisonment if convicted.
- What was the key piece of evidence in solving the case?
- The key evidence was a bloody fingerprint on the truck's window, initially unmatched. A tip about Joley's involvement led investigators to compare his taxi license fingerprints which provided the match.
- What is the significance of this case and its resolution?
- The victims, Mark Harnish and Theresa Marcoux, were found dead near a guardrail. Their deaths remained unsolved for nearly 46 years until the fingerprint match led to Joley's arrest and provided a measure of justice for their families.
- What is known about the suspect's background and potential motive?
- Joley, who lived in the area at the time of the murders, purchased a Colt handgun a month prior to the killings. He did not have a significant criminal record, and no clear motive has been established.