Family Still Searching For Killer After 25 Years

STURBRIDGE, MA  (WBZ_AM) --The family of a 10-year-old Massachusetts girl murdered 25 years ago is still looking for her killer. Holly Piirainen's family is held a tip campaign and vigil today, hoping to generate more information about the Grafton girl's disappearance.

Holly was visiting her grandparents in Sturbridge in August of 1993 when she vanished. The little girl went for a walk with her brother to a nearby house to see a new litter of puppies. Her brother returned home alone. Over 350 police officers and volunteers searched for the child. Only Holly's shoes were found until hunters discovered her body two and a half months later, in a wooded area of Brimfield, five miles from where she was last seen. 

Web Extra: Maureen Lemieux, Grandmother of Holly Piirainen Optimistic That Killer Will be ID'ed

No one has been charged with her killing, but state police investigators have recently re-focused on the case, conducting a new round of DNA tests of potential suspects and witnesses.

The tips campaign, called "Hope for Holly" was held at at the Sturbridge Host Hotel, 366 Main St. in Sturbridge Sunday afternoon hosted by the victim advocacy group The Resolution of Unresolved Crime. People with information are asked to contact Hampden County State Police Detective Unit at 413-505-5993. You may also text information to "CRIMES" (274637) with the subject line "SOLVE Holly Piirainen." 

"We had a good day yesterday and we received which was given to the police...While we don't know what the tips were, we are very optimistic about it," Maureen Lemieux, Holly's Grandmother said.

A public vigil was held for Holly immediately following the campaign.

WBZ NewsRadio1030's Bernice Corpuz (@BerniceWBZ) reports 


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