Discarded Straw DNA Leads to Arrest in 41-Year-Old Murder Case | Crime Alert 6AM

Summary

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Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Discarded Straw DNA Leads to Arrest in 41-Year-Old Murder Case | Crime Alert 6AM
Date: November 11, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace spotlights the dramatic resolution of a Long Island cold case that has haunted the community for over four decades. The core focus is the 1984 murder and rape of 16-year-old Teresa Fusco, and the recent arrest of Richard Bilodeau, linked through advances in DNA technology and an innovative investigation involving discarded DNA evidence. The episode also covers several high-profile crime stories from across the country, offering concise updates on deadly workplace violence in Texas, a police officer’s slaying in North Carolina, and federal terrorism arrests tied to an alleged Halloween plot.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Long Island Cold Case Breakthrough (00:01–03:00)

• Case Recap:

  • Teresa Fusco, a high school junior, disappeared in 1984 after leaving her roller rink job. Her body was found weeks later in nearby woods.
  • The case became infamous after three men were wrongly convicted and later exonerated based on DNA evidence in 2003. Two received multi-million dollar settlements.

• New Investigation:

  • Investigators, spurred by new leads, focused on Richard Bilodeau, now 63, who was 23 at the time of the crime.
  • Surveillance recovered a cup and straw Bilodeau discarded at a smoothie shop; DNA from the straw matched preserved evidence from 1984.

• Current Status:

  • Bilodeau arrested, charged with two counts of murder, and pleaded not guilty. Held without bail, facing up to 25 years to life if convicted.
  • The arrest offers hope for closure to Fusco’s family and illustrates the power of modern forensic science and investigative persistence.

• Context of Failure and Justice:

  • The case was seen as emblematic of justice gone wrong due to the wrongful imprisonment of innocent men.
  • The indictment is called a “turning point” and marks a reclamation of justice for Fusco and Long Island.

Notable Quotes

• John Laemmle (00:55):
  “The case was long considered one of Long Island's most troubling miscarriages of justice. Three men were convicted and spent years in prison before DNA evidence cleared them in 2003.”

• Ann Donnelly, Nassau County District Attorney (01:37):
  “This case is an example of how persistence and modern science can work hand in hand.”

• CPA Jared Rosenblatt (01:50):
  “The defendant appeared aware that previous mistakes in the investigation had allowed someone to escape accountability. He added that the time for reckoning had finally come.”

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2. Related Missing Persons Cases (01:58–02:15)

• Two other teenage girls, Kelly Morrissey and Jacqueline Martarella, vanished in the same time frame.
  • Morrissey remains missing.
  • Martarella’s body was discovered the following year.
• These unsolved cases deepen the tragedy and underscore the investigation’s importance.

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3. Crime Updates from Across the Country (05:52–09:09)

A. San Antonio Workplace Shooting (05:52–06:58)

• Incident:
  • A 21-year-old, Jose Hernandez Gallo, shot and killed three coworkers at a landscape supply company before committing suicide.
• Ongoing Investigation:
  • Motive is unclear, officials stress it did not seem random.
• Law Enforcement Response:
  • Police chief confirms investigation is ongoing, with focus on workplace violence prevention.

B. Fatal Shooting of North Carolina Hospital Police Officer (06:58–08:08)

• Incident:
  • Officer Roger Smith fatally shot during an altercation in a hospital emergency department lobby.
• Reactions:
  • Governor Josh Stein:
    “The incident underscores the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day and praised Smith’s service and sacrifice.” (07:15)
• Further Steps:
  • WakeMed confirms cooperation with investigation.

C. Federal Counterterrorism and Halloween Plot (08:08–09:09)

• Details:
  • Two 19-year-olds, Tomas Jimenez Gutzel (NJ) and Saeed Murray (WA), charged with conspiring to aid ISIS.
  • Arrests linked to a wider plot that included plans for attacks in Michigan and Ohio.
  • A teenage boy also arrested; FBI asserts arrests prevented potential violence.
• Quote:
  • CrimeOnline’s John Laemmle highlights agency collaboration and swift action to thwart credible threats.

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Memorable Moments & Statement Highlights

• Triumph of Modern Forensics and Perseverance

  • Ann Donnelly (01:37):
    “Persistence and modern science can work hand in hand.”

• Family’s Search for Closure

  • Fusco’s father expresses both pain in reopening wounds and hope for resolution.
  • The episode repeatedly notes the enduring suffering of the Fusco family and others affected by the case.

• Reflection on Justice

  • The wrongful conviction narrative and ultimate corrective action emphasize flaws and strengths in the justice system.
  • Jared Rosenblatt (01:50):
    “The time for reckoning had finally come.”

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Major Cold Case Announcement: 00:01–03:00
• Impact and Context of Original Investigation: 01:00–01:58
• Tie to Wider Pattern of 1980s Long Island Crimes: 01:58–02:15
• Texas Workplace Shooting Update: 05:52–06:58
• North Carolina Officer Down: 06:58–08:08
• Federal Terrorism Case and Halloween Plot: 08:08–09:09

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Tone and Language

The episode is direct and urgent, balancing factual recitation with a sense of outrage over past injustices and cautious optimism about the capabilities of modern investigative work. The reporting maintains a respectful, determined tone, focused on the search for justice and closure for families, while highlighting the role of science, law enforcement, and persistence in resolving even the coldest cases.

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Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace delivers a thorough account of how discarded DNA evidence—meticulously collected even decades after the fact—can finally slam the cell door on impunity. The episode contextualizes the Long Island case within broader trends of wrongful conviction and ongoing violence, reinforcing the value of relentless investigation. Through expert voices and survivor testimony, it provides listeners with insight into the emotional and systemic stakes of America’s cold cases, ensuring both gravity and hope are given their due.

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Transcript

[A]

CRIME alert I'm John Laemmle. We begin this hour with a major cold case development on Long Island. After four decades of unanswered questions, new DNA testing has led prosecutors to a suspect they say is responsible for a teenager's 1984 rape and murder. 63 year old Richard Billido of Sutter Mauriches has been charged with two counts of murder in the death of 16 year old Teresa Fusco. The high school junior disappeared after leaving her job at a Lynnbrook roller skating rink in November 1984. Her body was found weeks later in a wooded area nearby. The case was long considered one of Long Island's most troubling miscarriages of justice. Three men were convicted and spent years in prison before DNA evidence cleared them in 2003. Two later received multimillion dollar settlements for wrongful imprisonment. Prosecutors now say Bilodeau became a focus after investigators developed several new leads last year. Surveillance teams recovered a cup and straw that he discarded at a smoothie shop in neighboring Suffolk County. Laboratory testing showed the genetic terial matched samples preserved from Fusco's body in 1984. Bilodeau, who was 23 and living with his grandparents at the time of the crime, pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail. If convicted, he failed cases up to 25 years to life in prison. At the courthouse in Mineola, Fusco's father, Thomas Fusco, expressed that while revisiting the case is painful, he hopes the new arrest will finally bring closure to his family. Nassau County District Attorney Ann Donnelly emphasized that her office is committed to pursuing justice in long, unsolved crimes, calling this case an example of how persistence and modern science can work hand in hand. CPA Jared Rosenblatt said the defendant appeared aware that previous mistakes in the investigation had allowed someone to escape accountability. He added that the time for reckoning had finally come. The original investigation also drew attention because two other teenage girls, Kelly Morrissey and Jacqueline Martarella, went missing around the same time period. Morrissey was never found and Martarella's body was discovered the following year at a nearby golf course. Authorities latest indictment represents a turning point in the case that once symbolized failure and may now stand as proof that time does not erase justice. When we return, deadly gunfire at a Texas workplace, a North Carolina police officer killed inside a hospital and new arrests in an alleged Halloween terrorism plot that stretched from Detroit to the West Coast.

[B]

Thanks, John. For the latest crime and justice news, go to crimeonline.com and please join us for our daily podcast Crime Stories. More crime and Justice News after this.

[C]

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[D]

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[E]

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[B]

Now with the latest crime and justice breaking news Crime Online's John Laemmle in.

[A]

San Antonio, Texas police say a 21 year old man shot and killed three coworkers workers before taking his own life. Investigators identified the gunman as Jose Hernandez Gallo, an employee at a landscape supply company on the city's north side. The victims, two men and a woman, were found dead Saturday morning after shots rang out around 8am Other workers ran from the building as officers surrounded the area. Gallo's body was located hours later with what investigators say was a self inflicted gunshot wound. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the attack did not appear to be random, though the motive remains under investigation. Officials continue gathering evidence as they work to determine what led up to the deadly workplace violence. Turning to North Carolina, a police officer assigned to a hospital campus was killed during an encounter in the emergency department lobby. Authorities say Officer Roger smith of the WakeMed Health System Police was fatally shot around 9am Saturday at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex just south of Raleigh. A person of interest was detained shortly after the shooting. The emergency lobby was closed as investigators from multiple agencies processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. Governor Josh Stein said the incident underscores the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day and praised Smith's service and sacrifice. WakeMed confirmed its officers are fully sworn and state certified, patrolling six facilities across the system. Officials say they're cooperating fully with investigators as the inquiry continues. Finally, in a widening federal counterterrorism investigation, two additional young men have been charged with attempting to aid the Islamic State group. 19 year olds Tomas Jimenez Gutzel of Montclair, New Jersey and Saeed Murray of Kent, Washington are accused of conspiring to provide material support to a designated terrorist terrorism organization. According to the FBI, Jimenez Gutzel was arrested at Newark Airport while trying to fly to Turkey, while Mireille was taken into custody in Washington state. Investigators say both had been in contact with suspects recently charged in Michigan for allegedly plotting an attack in suburban Detroit. Court filings described detailed online conversation about plans to travel abroad and participate in violent activity overseas. Agents believe the men accelerated those plans after several associates were arrested in late October. In Michigan, prosecutors alleged a related group had discussed potential attacks targeting LGBTQ venues and even scouted a theme park in neighboring Ohio. Authorities say a 16 year old boy is also in federal custody in connection with that case. Federal officials stressed that the arrest disrupted the network before any violence occurred and that all known signs are now in custody.

[B]

Thanks John. For the latest crime and justice news, go to crimeonline.com and please join us for our daily podcast Crime Stories, where we do our best to find missing people especially children and solve unsolved homicides with this crime alert. I'm Nancy Grace.

[D]

A Dudley Board certified OB GYN and endocrinologist doctor, a naturopathic and licensed acupuncture doctor and a certified health coach. Walk into a room. What do they talk about? GLP1 of course, but more specifically the difference between the synthetic version of your body's own hormone that are prescribed by doctors nationwide versus metabolism ignite product which naturally increases your body's GLP1 by 55%. GLP1 slows digestion leading to bloating and discomfort versus metabolism ignite which supports your digestion and gut health. GLP1 side effects can lead to nausea, fatigue and muscle loss whereas Metabolism Ignite is powered by plants and there are no side effects. Some long term results of GLP1 links to weight gain after stopping the synthetic drug which has been proven in multiple studies. In comparison to Metabolism Ignite, there is no weight regain and this product supports metabolic health. The prognosis these three medical practitioners all agree upon. Visit verasityselfcare.com and receive 15% off your first purchase with promo code IHEARTRA.

[E]

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[D]

This is an iHeart podcast.