New DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest in Long Island Cold Case

Thu Oct 16 2025 02:52:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Richard Bilodeau, a 63-year-old Center Moriches man, is indicted for the 1984 murder of 16-year-old Theresa Fusco after DNA from a discarded straw matched evidence found at the crime scene.

Richard Bilodeau has been arrested in connection with the 1984 murder of Theresa Fusco, whose case saw three wrongfully convicted men exonerated based on DNA evidence in 2003. The new suspect's DNA was linked to the case through a straw he discarded, reigniting hope for Fusco's family for justice. Bilodeau faces severe charges with a potential sentence of up to 25 years to life if convicted.

MINEOLA, N.Y. (RTW News) — In a devastating twist to a decades-old tragedy, Richard Bilodeau, aged 63, has been indicted for the murder of 16-year-old Theresa Fusco following the matching of DNA from a discarded straw.

Fusco, a high school junior, was reported missing after she left her job at a roller-skating rink in Lynbrook, Long Island, in November 1984. Her body was discovered weeks later, concealed under leaves in a nearby wooded area.

The initial investigation led to the wrongful conviction of three men, who later served years in prison before being exonerated in 2003 due to DNA evidence. Each of them received $18 million in compensation.

Thomas Fusco was present in the Mineola courtroom when Bilodeau pleaded not guilty and was remanded to jail. The emotional toll of these events hit Fusco hard as he remarked on the heart-wrenching nature of reliving his daughter's tragic death.

Bilodeau was arrested after investigators linked his DNA to that recovered from Fusco’s body using a discarded straw he left at a smoothie cafe. Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly expressed determination for justice during a press conference following the arraignment.

Investigators had monitored Bilodeau after gathering several leads, leading them to reach out to him at work. His casual comment about people getting away with murder at the time now seems more poignant, as prosecutors work towards holding him accountable for Fusco's murder.

This case, which drew significant media attention in 1984 due to the simultaneous disappearances of other local girls, continues to resonate deeply with the victims' families and the community.