Waterbury, Vermont - December 10, 2010
The Vermont State Police call their investigation into the kidnapping and murder of Mary "Pat" O'Hagan of Sheffield a "top priority."
O'Hagan, 78, was last seen September 10, three months ago. A large search effort launched September 11, and ended when hunters found the community-minded grandmother's body in a remote hunting camp in Wheelock Oct. 3. An autopsy revealed O'Hagan was killed, but investigators have never revealed how, or named suspects or motives.
In a press release Friday, State Police said their investigation is still active, and detectives continue pursuing leads and following up on tips from the public. Those investigators also have assistance from the FBI. "Detectives meet with the O'Hagan family on a regular basis," said chief criminal investigator Capt. David Covell in the release. "The family's assistance with the case has been invaluable and their continued involvement with the Sheffield community is commendable."
State Police provided this written statement from O'Hagan's family on the three-month anniversary of the crime:
The O'Hagan family is thankful to have the support of the VSP on the investigation into what happened to our mother. We appreciate all of the work done so far by the VSP and we have every confidence in their ability and dedication to solving this case.
We have been blessed with great support from our extended family, good friends of our mother and the local community as we deal with the effects of these past three months. It is for this reason we remain steadfast in our commitment to working with the VSP to identify and prosecute those responsible for this terrible crime. It is imperative that justice be achieved, closure provided for us and the community and to bring peace of mind and security back to the Sheffield area and the Northeast Kingdom.
We continue to receive notes of condolence and support along with thoughts of encouragement, kind remarks and stories about our mother. As we reflect on this three month anniversary of her disappearance we are comforted in knowing that her life here in Vermont was gratifying, shared by loving friends and fulfilled beyond our expectations.
Covell did not release any significant information regarding the status of his investigation, but the Vermont State Police encourage the community to contact them with information on the case. They'd especially like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in Sheffield and Wheelock from mid-September to early-October.
Call them with tips at the barracks in St. Johnsbury at 802-748-3111 or the State Police Crime Information Tip Line at 802-241-5355. There is a substantial cash reward available for information that helps detectives close the case.
Jack Thurston - WCAX News
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Pat O'Hagan
