A decades-old cold case that wrongfully imprisoned three innocent men has finally been solved through modern DNA technology and a discarded smoothie cup.

Richard Bilodeau, 63, was charged Wednesday with the 1984 murder and rape of 16-year-old Theresa Fusco, according to the New York Post. Nassau County prosecutors said high-tech DNA testing by the FBI cracked the case that had haunted the Long Island community for four decades.

The arrest brings long-awaited closure to the Fusco family, who never abandoned hope for justice. Thomas Fusco, the victim's father, expressed gratitude that someone would finally be held accountable for taking his daughter's life, calling the development "a finalization" after years of heartbreak.

The Tragic Night Theresa Disappeared

Theresa Fusco, an aspiring dancer, left her job at Hot Skates skating rink in Lynbrook on Nov. 10, 1984, in tears after being fired. Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said the teenager disappeared that evening and was reported missing when she failed to return home.

Nearly a month later, on Dec. 5, 1984, Fusco's body was discovered buried beneath leaves in a wooded area just blocks from the skating rink. Police determined the bubbly teen had been raped, beaten, and strangled before being dumped in the woods.

The brutal crime horrified the quiet suburban community and launched an investigation that would span decades. The grisly nature of the attack sent shockwaves through Nassau County, leaving residents fearful and demanding justice for the young victim.

DNA Evidence Solves Cold Case

The breakthrough came in February when investigators, who had identified Bilodeau as a potential suspect, began surveillance operations. Their patience paid off when the 63-year-old purchased a drink at Tropical Smoothie near his Suffolk County home and discarded the cup in the trash.

Detectives retrieved the cup and submitted the straw for DNA testing. "The DNA from that straw, Richard Bilodeau's DNA, was a match to the sample that was taken from Theresa's body," Donnelly announced.

Nassau County Assistant District Attorney Jared Rosenblatt revealed in court that the original DNA evidence had been taken from a vaginal swab during the victim's autopsy. When questioned by investigators, Bilodeau denied knowing Fusco and claimed not to recognize photographs of her, reportedly telling detectives, "Yeah, people got away with murder back then."

Previous Wrongful Convictions Overturned

The case had taken a devastating turn in 1986 when three local men were arrested and convicted of Fusco's murder. John Restivo, Dennis Halstead, and John Kogut served up to 18 years in prison for a crime they did not commit.

DNA evidence later exonerated all three men in 2003, leading to their release after nearly two decades behind bars. The wrongfully convicted men successfully sued for their ordeal and were awarded $43 million for wrongful prosecution, with the verdict upheld on appeal.

The miscarriage of justice had cast a dark shadow over the case for years, making the recent arrest all the more significant. The earlier wrongful convictions highlighted the limitations of investigative techniques available in the 1980s compared to today's advanced forensic capabilities.

Lessons to Learn

Though no one is ever completely safe from crime, some steps can help improve awareness and be more secure in daily life. Here are some lessons drawn from this tragic case:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings. Theresa disappeared after an emotional moment when she left work alone. Being aware of your physical and emotional state and surroundings can help reduce vulnerability, particularly when walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas.

2. Justice can take time, but persistence matters. This arrest would not have happened without the continuous efforts of law enforcement and the involvement of Theresa’s family. Always report any unresolved concerns and advocate for continued investigation in cold cases.

3. Modern forensic science is a powerful tool. DNA played a critical role in both clearing the wrongly accused and identifying the actual suspect decades later. Advances in science can change the course of a case, but they also serve as a reminder that justice systems must be held to the highest standards. Still, crimes can happen to anyone, and we must never blame the victim.

Why This Story Matters

This story resonates because it exposes the long-lasting wounds left by unresolved crimes, not just for families but for entire communities. The missteps that led to wrongful convictions and the eventual use of modern science highlight the importance of continuously improving the justice system. It also sends a clear message: even decades-old crimes can yield answers when technology and determination come together. Bringing closure to victims’ families is not only an act of justice—it’s an act of compassion.

Richard Bilodeau, now 63, was charged on Oct. 15, 2025, in the 1984 rape and murder of 16-year-old Theresa Fusco, whose body was found weeks after she vanished from her job near her Long Island home. Decades after three men were wrongly imprisoned for the crime, a DNA match from a fast-food straw led investigators to Bilodeau, who remains in custody as he awaits further legal proceedings. This case, marked by pain, perseverance, and a final glimmer of justice, will long remain part of the Long Island community’s memory.