:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/V6LDDXF2SBHKLINGGJXOL7GHRE.jpg "They identified the human remains of a woman who disappeared almost four decades ago")
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office announced a breakthrough in a cold case that has remained unsolved for over five decades. Nearly 56 years after Mary Alice Pultz disappeared without a trace, her remains were finally identified through modern forensic genetic genealogy technology.
Pultz, originally from Rockville, Maryland, was reported missing in 1968 along with her then-boyfriend, John Thomas Fugitt. Construction workers unearthed her remains in 1985 on Crescent Beach, but it wasn’t until recently that advancements in forensic science led to her identification.
The identification of Pultz’s remains marks a significant step forward in the investigation into her death, ruled as a homicide. Authorities have named Fugitt, who passed away on death row after being convicted of another murder, as a person of interest in Pultz’s case.
The use of advanced forensic technology has not only helped bring closure to Pultz’s family but also serves as a beacon of hope for other families of missing individuals. The case highlights the commitment of law enforcement to solve cold cases and bring justice to those who have long been forgotten.
As the investigation into Pultz’s murder continues, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for the victim and her loved ones. The resolution of this long-standing mystery signifies the power of perseverance and the impact of cutting-edge forensic techniques in solving crimes of the past.