Credit: Essex County DA
A suspect has been indicted for the murder of a 20-year-old college student in June 1986, Essex (Mass.) District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett announced.
On Saturday, June 29, 1986, Claire Gravel, a student at Salem State College, went to Major Magleashes’ Pub on Washington Street in Salem with friends. he was last seen alive between 1:30 and 1:45 a.m. Sunday morning being dropped off at her apartment on Loring Avenue in Salem. Three workmen discovered her body in the woods on the northbound side of Route 128 in Beverly on the afternoon of June 30. The medical examiner determined that she had been strangled to death.
“For 36 years, Claire Gravel’s family and friends have had nothing but questions about her death,” Blodgett said. “Today, we are able to give them some of the answers.”
Over the years, investigators have interviewed dozens of witnesses and persons-of-interest, and followed through on every lead and tip they received. A new lead developed in 2012 and investigators and team worked diligently to bring about a resolution. Evidence recovered from Gravel’s clothing was instrumental in solving the case. Blodgett said he would not release any more details at this time.
Carey, 63, is currently incarcerated for a 2008 conviction.
Republished courtesy of Essex County DA.