Bob_Ward's Blog

Hi Mikey,

Thanks so much.

I've been following this case for many years. And when I first learned the horrific details of this case, my jaw dropped.

For some reason, even when this first happened,there wasn't a lot of press coverage. And I think that emboldened some to feel the "storm had blown over" and there was no need to talk about this anymore. That's how Theresa's killer has remained free all these years. Very sad.

It's also why so many other violent crimes go unpunished: people won't get involved. It's not just in the inner city, folks, and I hope this story illustrates that point.

Back to Theresa's case, this December will be the 30th anniversary of this sad case. It is believed the killer has told/boasted about the case to others. Maybe his own family.

After all this time, wouldn't it be great for someone to summon the courage to call police?

Lastly, let me just say I remember Theresa as a sweet young girl. The night she was killed, Theresa put herself in harm's way. There's no argument here.

But, as I know the facts, and as I've reported, Theresa was not "asking for it," she was not a "working girl" as some might use an excuse whenever a woman ends up dead on the side of the road.

Theresa Corley was a young woman who needed help, a ride home. And she was abducted twice, raped, and strangled. All in one night.

And the killer remains free.

Simply outrageous.

BW

Hi GerriH,

This is an excellent point: why weren't the 3 guys in the apartment, who admitted to sexually assaulting Theresa ever arrested for it?


From what I understand, and I know this won't be a completely satisfactory answer, the problem was a) Theresa was murdered, therefore there was no complainant and b) the 3 were/are involved as persons of interest in a murder investigation.

Sadly, by now, it's a moot point as the statute of limitation ran out a long time ago.

As we know, however, there is no statute of limitation on murder.

And I still hope that one day we'll know the truth of what happened that awful night in December 1978.


BW

I have constantly been told that certain members in the police department had blood on thier hands. I say had because 2 are now deceased. But hey, 3 can keep a secret if 2 are dead. He who remains knows . . . .

First off - please let me apologize for my "dramatic" entry yesterday. Sometimes I get caught up in the knowledge that alot of people know stuff and haven't said anything. Mostly likely what they know are not the missing pieces you are looking for, but they know stuff none the less. That is a fact.

Second, I feel confident that the police department of today is a great group who truley care about solving this crime. I mean no disrespect at all to those currenly serving.

I lived in Bellingham when Theresa's life was cut short & I was in high school at the time. The name that always circulated was Tom and he was a police officer at the time. It was his name that came up because he could not account for his time during those hours. Again, I was young & it could be false information - but it was always him that came up & still does to this day. It does make you wonder - she would have trusted a police officer.

Another name has been presented to me is Ernie. I have never heard of him & I know nothing about him. But it comes up.

Do you think more that one person is involved here? It's difficult to understand how someone who murdered someone would actually walk into a police station. It doesn't make any sense.

Hi Everyone,

I understand there could be an article about Theresa's case in the Sunday MetroWest.

The more attention this receives, the better.

msnicks: thanks for contributing to this blog.
You may consider calling State Police at the phone numbers above with your information.

Also, it IS strange that someone would walk into Bellingham PD and alert the police to Theresa's body. The thing to remember is that she was there for 2 days, and she hadn't been found.

The thinking is that this person wanted to make sure Theresa was found, and this is how he did it. Maybe a sign of remorse?

When you think about it, the killer could have disposed of Theresa's body anywhere. And could have made sure she was never found. Instead, the killer chose the side of Route 495 in Bellingham.

It's interesting that the location is still in Theresa's hometown.

I tend to think that more than one person was involved in disposing of Theresa's body. There were no scratch marks, or drag marks on Theresa's body. And the site is far enough from 495, and the ditch deep enough, that it would have been difficult for one person to place Theresa there without dragging her.

I think it is very likely that more than one person was involved in this case.

Thanks, everyone for your comments.

Let's hope this renewed attention will lead to justice. It's been far too long.

BW

Gerri -

I have to be very careful here on two fronts: 1) I never want to tarnish someone's reputation by naming names if that person is innocent and 2) I don't want to jeopardize my ability to obtain more information. I can tell you this - the Ernie I mentioned earlier was a police officer also - either in Bellingham or Franklin. I have a very good source who is currenlty out of town but due back Sunday. I will keep you all informed via this blog.

msnicks, nobody wants to "name names" but the truth is important. I feel all leads should be followed even if it points to a police officer. There are family rumors that point to the crime scene not being kept as intact as it should have been, accident or not? Rumors of an officer getting physically sick at the scene, guilty party or just a sensitive guy? Everyone should be looked at, was it two brothers??? One that did the crime and the other helping his brother carry Theresa to the area off 495?? Either way, please report whatever you think you have to the STATE police.

Hi ms,

Theresa was found on the North Bound side of 495. Once she was picked up, we don't know where the killer took her. But from the Bellingham PD, it's easy to go up 126, get on Exit 18 in Bellingham to 495North. One does not need to go back into Franklin.

Theresa was likely killed soon after she was taken. But where this happened is unknown.

As for the files, we can't see the files because, even after all this time, it's still an open investigation. I do believe there is solid evidence in the case, just not enough to go forward with an arrest yet.

That can change at any time.

Once I get to work I can give you the mailing address for the Norfolk County DA.

You may want to simply call the phone numbers above in this blog. There is a special hotline set up to handle calls in Theresa's case. It's in the blog.

Thanks for your help,

BW

Bob -

So her body was found after the Bellingham - 126 exit, heading towards Milford?

Hi Bob -

Thank you for the information. You have said that you believe there is solid evidence in this case - do you think a police officer was involved?