In brief
In a breakthrough four decades later, Richard Bilodeau, 63, has been indicted for the murder of 16-year-old Theresa Fusco, with DNA from a straw leading to his arrest. Fusco disappeared in 1984, and her case saw wrongful convictions of three men who were exonerated by DNA evidence in 2003. Bilodeau, who was 23 at the time, could face up to life in prison if convicted.
MINEOLA, N.Y. — Richard Bilodeau, 63, of Center Moriches, was arraigned on two counts of murder Wednesday in relation to the death of Theresa Fusco, whose 1984 rape and murder has haunted Long Island for decades. This new development follows the discovery of DNA from a straw collected in February 2024 that matched DNA found at the crime scene, leading to Bilodeau's indictment.
Fusco, a high school junior, vanished after leaving her part-time job at a roller-skating rink. Weeks later, her body was found buried in a wooded area. Initially, three men were wrongfully convicted in the case but were exonerated in 2003 following advances in DNA testing. They later received substantial financial settlements for their wrongful imprisonment.
In court, Bilodeau entered a plea of not guilty. Following the hearing, Thomas Fusco, Theresa’s father, expressed his continued heartbreak over the loss, stating, I never gave up hope. I’ve always had faith in the system. If found guilty, Bilodeau could face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
An investigation into Bilodeau commenced last year based on various leads prior to the DNA match. District Attorney Anne Donnelly emphasized the office’s commitment to seeking justice for Theresa and her family, stating, “The past has not been forgotten.”
As details emerge, the community watches closely, as the case once again emphasizes the long shadows cast by unresolved crimes and wrongful accusations.
