35 years Later, Burlington Police Still Hunt Hit-And-Run Driver

BURLINGTON, MA -- Around 12:30 a.m. on February 26, 1983, George Aleskivitch was walking home on Winn Street near the Route 128 on ramp in Burlington. Witnesses said what may have been a 1981 or 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme hit Aleskivitch and dragged him for about 60 feet before speeding away onto Route 128 North. No arrests have ever been made in the case.

Burlington Police, however, believe that someone can offer more details on what happened that night. In addition to the driver, there may have been as many as three passengers in the car, according to witnesses. The car is believed to have sustained heavy front end damage in the crash.

"There are likely multiple people out there who either know who did this or have information that could lead us to who did this," Burlington Police Chief Michael Kent said. "We hope that by releasing these updated sketches and drawing attention back to this case, someone will be encouraged to come forward and finally bring this case to a close and give this family some closure."

Kent made his comments Monday in a release marking the 35th anniversary of Aleskivitch's death. Burlington Police also released a composite sketch of the man driving the car that was released in 1983, as well as an updated sketch (above). They also released photos of the type of car suspected to be involved in the crash and an artist's rendition of an age progression of the suspect (below).

Aleskivitch's brother, Jimmy Aleskivitch, has kept pressure on the police department via social media posts. He was recently featured in a report by Fox 25 News on the case, which followed social media posts last summer asking for tips on the case.

"Burlington police stopped their search years ago so I'm asking for help. 30 years has been long enough for my family's suffering!" Jimmy Aleskivitch wrote on Facebook last July. "My dad died with a broken heart so if anyone has any information please come forward."

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Images by Burlington Police Department.

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