On January 7th, 1996, a historic storm moved into the Northeastern United States, and first responders across the region began preparing for what they knew could be a long and unpredictable night. When Thomas Dorr received a call from the firehouse where he volunteered in his town, he told them he would head in and stay overnight to help if needed. But Tom never made it to the firehouse.

A search for him would end in a devastating discovery at a local park near his home. In the years that followed, suspicion turned toward those closest to him. Still, three decades later, no one has ever been charged in Tom’s brutal death.

At nearly 6'8", Tom was referred to by friends as the "Gentle Giant" because of his calm demeanor and love of animals. He was known as a hardworking and dedicated member of his community, someone who consistently showed up when others needed help. His friends and colleagues have worked to keep his name and story alive ever since. This episode aims to do the same.

TIPS: Westchester County Police Department Detectives Division at (800) 898-TIPS (8477) or you can submit online at tips@wccops.com.
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Thumbmail art: Lauren Kelty, host of True Crime BFF Podcast

Source Material:

https://www.theexaminernews.com/cold-case-unraveled-revisiting-gentle-giant-tom-dorr-sr-s-gruesome-murder/
https://pix11.com/news/firefighters-wife-and-son-remain-suspects-in-his-bloody-unsolved-death/
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/thomas-dorr-murder-cold-case/
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https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-8-year-anniversary/191905883/
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https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-13-year-vigil/191906226/
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https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-21-year-anniversary/191906581/

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The Blizzard of '96: The Murder of Thomas Dorr Sr.