Lynbrook, New York — A man has been charged with the rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl after decades of unanswered questions surrounding her 1984 death. Richard Bilodeau, 63, faces a second-degree murder charge following his arraignment on October 15, marking a significant development in a case that has haunted the local community for years.
Theresa Fusco was last seen on November 10, 1984, leaving the Hot Skates roller rink, where she worked. Prosecutors stated that she clocked out just before 10 p.m., shortly before she was reported missing. Her body was discovered a month later in a wooded area near the rink, leading investigators to conclude that she had been both raped and strangled.
In a previous attempt to solve the case, three men were prosecuted in 1986, but their convictions were overturned in 2003 based on new DNA evidence. Recent advancements in forensic technology paved the way for renewed scrutiny, and investigators zeroed in on Bilodeau after gathering “multiple investigative leads.”
The case received a breakthrough in February when authorities collected Bilodeau’s DNA from a straw he discarded at a smoothie shop. Shortly thereafter, testing indicated that his DNA matched the sample taken from Fusco’s body nearly four decades ago. This critical link prompted law enforcement to confront Bilodeau about the connection, to which he reportedly replied, “People got away with murder back then.”
When the crime occurred, Bilodeau lived just a mile from the roller rink, but he now resides in Center Moriches, about 60 miles away. Prosecutors have described the enduring pain this crime has caused Fusco’s family, with Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly expressing her commitment to seeking justice for the young victim.
“Theresa Fusco’s life was violently stolen from her 40 years ago, and since then, her family has suffered an enduring pain and the lingering question of who committed such a heinous act,” Donnelly said. She emphasized that the passage of time does not diminish the resolve to pursue justice for victims.
The emotional toll of the case has extended to Fusco’s father, Thomas, who attended Bilodeau’s arraignment, reflecting the profound impact his daughter’s murder has had on their family. With the indictment announced, Bilodeau faces a potential sentence of up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
Bilodeau is scheduled to return to court on November 21, as the community remains hopeful that justice will finally be served in this decades-old case.