More than three decades after the brutal killing of a Saugus woman, law enforcement officials and grieving relatives are making it clear that the search for her killer has not ground to a halt. Susan Taraskiewicz was only 27 years old when she was slain in 1992, and despite the passage of 34 years without a single criminal conviction, authorities insist that the homicide probe remains under active scrutiny rather than languishing as an unresolved cold case.
The tragic chain of events began on what appeared to be a routine workday for Taraskiewicz, who was affectionately known by her friends and family as "Su." Employed as an airline baggage handler at Logan International Airport, she stepped away from her shift with the simple intention of picking up lunch for her coworkers. She never returned to the facility, setting off immediate alarm among those who were expecting her back.
The harrowing outcome of her sudden disappearance became known the following morning when her vehicle was discovered in the nearby community of Revere. Upon inspecting the abandoned car, investigators made a devastating discovery: Taraskiewicz’s body had been placed inside the trunk of her own automobile. A subsequent examination revealed that the 27-year-old had been severely beaten and stabbed to death before being left behind.
In the decades that followed that gruesome discovery, the case has remained an agonizing mystery for the victim's family and the wider Saugus community. To this day, no suspect has ever been formally held accountable or convicted in connection with her violent death. The prolonged absence of legal closure has cast a deep and lasting shadow over the Taraskiewicz family, who have spent the last 34 years pushing relentlessly for answers.
That enduring commitment was demonstrated once again during a recent Saturday gathering, where family members, friends, and former detectives convened for a memorial vigil at Constitution Beach in East Boston. The waterfront setting held significant emotional resonance for the attendees, located directly across from Logan Airport, where Taraskiewicz had spent her final working hours before her life was stolen.
Among those gathered at the vigil was Susan's mother, Marlene Taraskiewicz, who spoke movingly about the warmth and vibrant spirit her daughter brought into the lives of others. Marlene reflected on Susan's magnetic personality, noting that she was the kind of person who made an immediate positive impression, leaving anyone she encountered eager to see her again.
The profound emotional toll of the unsolved crime was echoed by Susan's sister, Debbie Alimonti. Speaking on the enduring void that has shaped their household for over three decades, Alimonti shared the heartache of having to spend 34 years imagining the milestones, experiences, and full life that Susan was never given the opportunity to live.
Despite the long stretch of time that has elapsed since 1992, former investigators who spent decades working on the homicide emphasize that the probe has never been shelved. Bob Murphy, who served as the lead investigator on the murder inquiry for 20 years, delivered a resolute assessment regarding the current state of law enforcement's efforts.
Murphy stressed that although he is no longer serving as the primary lead on the file, he can state with absolute certainty that the investigation has not become a cold case. He explained that the inquiry remains extremely active and, crucially, maintains a very specific focus on certain elements of the crime, countering any assumption that detectives have reached a dead end.
According to Murphy, the ultimate breakthrough in the decades-old homicide could easily stem from a single detail provided by a member of the public. He emphasized that even seemingly minor or overlooked information possessed by someone today could serve as the vital catalyst needed to elevate the investigation to the next level and secure an arrest.
Over the course of the multi-decade probe, scrutiny has frequently centered on the workplace dynamics Taraskiewicz experienced at Logan Airport. Reports indicated that the young baggage handler had been subjected to harassment by male coworkers during her employment, creating a troubling environment in the period leading up to her death.
Suspicions regarding her workplace were further heightened after several of her coworkers were arrested in connection with a credit card theft operation operating within the airport. Marlene Taraskiewicz has long maintained that her daughter may have inadvertently discovered or become entangled in the illicit ring, suspecting that the criminal enterprise may have played a direct role in her murder.
Acknowledging that potential witnesses might still harbor fear even after the passage of more than three decades, Susan’s mother made a direct plea for anyone with information to finally step forward. Marlene affirmed her conviction that individuals still know what happened to Susan, reminding the public that tips can be submitted completely anonymously if safety concerns remain an obstacle.
To reinforce the ongoing search for answers and incentivize cooperation from the public, a substantial financial reward remains active. Authorities continue to offer up to $250,000 for any credible information that successfully leads to an arrest in the murder of Susan Taraskiewicz.
Law enforcement officials continue to appeal to anyone who might remember relevant details from September 1992 to help bring long-overdue justice to a grieving family. Anyone possessing information regarding the case is strongly encouraged to contact the Massachusetts State Police directly at 617-272-8817.
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