Last week, the FBI and state and local law enforcement officials identified the victim of a brutal murder 26 years ago as Tiffany Bradley of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Bradley was 16 years old when her body was found on November 13, 2000, just days away from her 17th birthday, and who, for the last 26 years, was known only as “Chelsea Jane Doe.”
“She was a young teen who was trafficked across state lines, exploited by adults, and brutally murdered,” said Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Boston. “Tiffany was strangled, decapitated, and dismembered – and found in the back of the parking lot at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea.”
Docks said that for years, investigators worked tirelessly to determine who she was, where
she came from, and who might still be searching for her. The only hint they had to go on was that her name might be “Lisa.”
“Even though her killer confessed – and was sentenced to life behind bars – the question of this young victim’s identity has remained unanswered,” Docks said at last week’s press conference. “Until today. Thanks to FBI Boston’s Cold Case Team, working in partnership with the
Massachusetts State Police, she’s now been identified.”
Eugene McCollom was identified and pleaded guilty in the aftermath of the murder. He told authorities that he had buried Bradley’s head and other body parts in the sand at Nahant Beach. McCollom is currently serving a life sentence.
“Three years ago, the FBI initiated investigative genetic genealogy – one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement – in addressing unresolved cases,” Docks said. “By combining traditional investigative work with advanced DNA analysis and genealogical research, we’ve been able to identify victims and offenders in cases that once seemed impossible to solve.
“In April, we were able to confirm Tiffany’s identity after DNA provided by one of her relatives matched,” Docks said. “NamUs funded that DNA testing through a Department of Justice grant.”
Docks said the case also highlights the devastating reality of child sex trafficking in this
country.
“Trafficking victims are frequently isolated from support systems, moved from place to place, stripped of identification, and are deliberately difficult to trace,” he said. “That’s why collaboration between federal, state, and local partners is so critical to putting a stop to it. To the investigators involved in this case: thank you for your determination and your compassion.
“To the family of this young woman: while no announcement can undo your loss, we hope today brings some measure of peace in knowing Tiffany was never forgotten.”
Docks extended his thanks to the Chelsea Police Department, the
Massachusetts State Police and the Suffolk and Essex County District Attorneys and their teams for bringing the FBI on board to assist with the case.
Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton, who was a lieutenant at the time of the incident and participated in the early stages of the investigation, reflected on the importance of the announcement.
“Throughout the years, Tiffany’s family never gave up hope that one day they would learn the truth and have the answers they deserved,” said Houghton. “Along with other Chelsea Detectives, we were involved in this case until the investigation revealed the homicide actually occurred in the city of Lynn. While nothing can undo the tragedy they have endured, we are grateful that after nearly 26 years they can finally have the closure they have been seeking.”