Witness testimony, new resources aid investigation of Tammy Mahoney's 1981 disappearance
New York State Police have dedicated resources from its Major Crime and Cold Case units to further assist with the investigation of the disappearance of Tammy Mahoney, who was last seen hitchhiking along state Route 46 in Oneida in early 1981.
The additional resources into Mahoney’s disappearance were announced Monday during a joint press conference between New York State Police, the FBI’s Albany Field Office, Oneida Indian Nation Police Department and Mahoney’s sister.
“We’re making some progress,” said Sarah Ruane, public affairs specialist for FBI Albany.
Monday marked 42 years since authorities believe Mahoney was picked up and brought to a party on Territory Road.
Who is Tammy Mahoney?
Tammy Mahoney was 19 when she went missing in May 1981. She had moved to Oneida from Farmingdale, Long Island, in order to study at Morrisville State College — she hoped to pursue a career working around horses. She also worked at Vernon Downs as a groomer, according to Observer-Dispatch archives.
On May 8, 1981, authorities believe she was kidnapped, raped and murdered after hitchhiking along state Route 46 in Oneida. It has long been believed she ended up at a party on Oneida Nation Territory and has not been seen since.
Previous update: FBI releases new information on decades-old disappearance of Oneida woman
Family speaks out: Tammy Mahoney's sister believes justice is closer
Despite numerous searches for her body or clues over the years, the case has never been solved.
What's new in the Tammy Mahoney disappearance case?
Earlier today SAC DiGuiseppi joined our partners from @nyspolice, Oneida PD, Oneida Indian Nation PD, & Tammy Mahoney's sister to mark 42 years since Tammy was picked up and brought to a party on Territory Road (East.) Tammy was never seen again. pic.twitter.com/J6JlO7sLiU
— FBI Albany (@FBIAlbany) May 8, 2023
During Monday’s presser, authorities said several witnesses have gone on record and shared their “truths,” prompting additional resources to be brought into the investigation, according to the FBI’s Albany field office. New York State Police have dedicated resources from its Major Crime and Cold Case units.
Ruane said she could not delve too deeply into the witness testimony, but said there was a mixture of new and old information.
“It is our hope that with these resources, we can bring Tammy home,” the FBI’s Albany field office said in a statement posted on Twitter. “While we implore those involved to do the right thing and come forward, we will continue to actively investigate her disappearance with or without your cooperation.”
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call (315) 731-1781.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Tammy Mahoney 1981 cold case turns to witness testimony, new resources
