No Arrests Seven Years After Brutal Andover Murder

ANDOVER, MA -- Thursday marked the seventh anniversary since John and Geraldine Magee were found shot to death in their home at 7 Orchard Crossing in Andover, and has they have done every year since 2011, Andover Police and Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett renewed calls for the public's assistance in solving the cold case. The couples' bodies were discovered on the morning Dec. 14, 2011 by their daughter Holly, who was dropping off her children to be watched by their grandparents.

The night before, Boston Police found a burning Lexus SUV on Prince Street. The SUV belonged to the Magees.

"We remain optimistic that the person or persons responsible for this senseless murder will be identified and held accountable. We have not given up nor will we," Blodgett said in a news release sent to media outlets Friday morning. "It is our belief that someone knows something that could help us solve the case and bring justice and peace of mind to the Magee family and the residents of Andover."

The day before the Magees were found dead has been described as a typical day in the couples' life. John Magee owned Magee Construction and visited a site in Reading where the company was building new homes. His son, John Jr., had worked from the Magee Construction office in the basement of the Orchard Crossing home until about 4:30 in the afternoon.

Geri Magee spoke with Holly on the phone that day. Holly told her she'd be dropping off the Magee's grand kids the following morning, so she could go Christmas shopping.

Blodgett said Massachusetts State Police have assisted in the investigation, which has gone to four states and 20 cities and towns in greater Boston. Investigators have interviewed family, friends and neighbors in Andover and Jupiter, FL, as well as business associates. The have also searched and examined financial records, computers, homes, and motor vehicles in the hunt for clues.

"The Andover Police Department remains committed to finding the person or persons responsible for taking the lives of John and Geraldine Magee," Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe said. "We are asking people to search their memories and consciences and come forward with any information that they may have."

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney's Office at 978-745-8908 or the Andover Police Anonymous Tip Line at 978-470-3864.

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Photo by Essex County District Attorney's office.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).