In Newton Woman's 1975 Killing, Boston Police Seek New Details

BOSTON, MA — Boston police are seeking information in the unsolved homicide of a 61-year-old woman who was killed by multiple gunshots in 1975.

The victim's body, identified as that of Ruth Bayla Pearson of Newton, was found around 8:40 a.m. on August 23, 1975 by a witness walking in a field in the Madison Park area between Sterling Street, Tremont Street, and Shawmut Avenue.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Pearson was killed by multiple gunshot wounds and her manner of death was homicide, police said. Her red 1972 Camaro was located two weeks later in the Orchard Park Development near the old Dearborn School after having been stripped.

"Detectives from the Unsolved Homicide Squad have continued to investigate the victim's
murder but are now seeking the public's help," Boston Police wrote in the statement.

The department added that Pearson, who appeared younger than her years and often went by her middle name Bayla or Francesca, was known to frequent bars and restaurants in the Copley Square area and the City of Cambridge.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Boston Police Department Unsolved Homicide Squad at 617-343-4470.