Family Creates New Plea For Information In 1993 Cold Case
BRIMFIELD (CBS) -- The family of a 10-year-old who was found dead in Brimfield 24 years ago has launched a new campaign to help solve her murder.
On Friday, volunteers are back searching the area where Holly Piirainen's remains were found.
Holly was visiting her grandma with her family in Sturbridge in August of 1993.
Hunters found Holly's remains in a wooded area in Brimfield about five miles away from her grandma's home two-and-a-half months later.
"She was down the street, she went down to look at some puppies that were in a fenced area. She was there waiting for the puppies to come out, they weren't out yet. And that's when somebody took her," Holly's grandma, Maureen Lemieux told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
"It's been a long 24 years, but then again it seems like it was just last year," she continued. "The years go by much too fast. None of us are getting any younger and we just want to see this solved."
No arrests were ever made.
A $40,000 reward is being offered to anyone who has information that could lead to an arrest.
Cold case consultant Dr. Sarah Stein said, "We've had some recent developments with Holly's investigation that we believe may lead to closure. Anything we receive today will be given to the Hampden County District Attorney and the State Police."
She added, "In 95 percent of cold cases, the perpetrator is actually identified in the first 30 days of the investigation."
Carla Jackman is Holly's aunt. She told WBZ-TV, "[Holly] was just very, very sweet. Just a typical great little girl that we miss terribly."
Last month, Gary Schara was charged with the kidnapping, aggravated rape, and murder of Lisa Ziegert, who was found dead in Agawam 25 years ago.
Schara's DNA will now be tested against Holly's case.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports
