Body Exhumed From Cemetery In Milford In 1978 Murder Case

MILFORD, MA—The body of a murder victim was exhumed from a Milford cemetery this week in an effort to recover new evidence on a case that dates back to 1978.

The body of Theresa Corley was exhumed from St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery on Wednesday, confirms David Traub, spokesperson for the Norkfolk District Attorney's Office. The exhumation began shortly after 9 a.m. and was completed before noon. State Police crime scene services section, photo and chemist gathered evidence, he said. The evidence will now be subject to forensic testing.

"There is no statute of limitations on murder and the Norfolk DA's office continues to investigate this and other unsolved homicides," said Traub.

Theresa Corley left a local establishment called the Train Stop in Franklin late on the night of Dec. 4, 1978 and went with some others to the Presidential Arms Apartments on West Central Street (Route 140) in Franklin, said Franklin Police.

Corley, who was 19 at the time, left the apartment where she had been visiting with friends after an altercation, and then headed along West Central Street (Route 140) to her home in Bellingham. She was reportedly last seen near Bellingham Center by a truck driver in the early morning hours.

Her body was found a few days later off the northbound lane of I-495 a few days later. Police say that Corley had socialized with numerous friends on the evening she was last seen, and "it is believed that those involved are still out there. Someone knows just what happened to Theresa. Whatever the circumstances were or may have been, Theresa should not have perished in such a cruel and careless manner."

The investigation continues in coordination with Franklin, Bellingham and state police.

Photo Credit: Franklin Police