Police have reopened their investigation into the unsolved abduction and murder of a young 7-Eleven worker who vanished over four decades ago.
Delores Bailey was only 24-years-old when she reported for her overnight shift at the convenience store in Hollywood, Florida, on January 21, 1982.
However, she never returned home to her husband and young son, and her body was discovered on the side of the road nearly a year later.
No arrest has ever been made, nor has a suspect been identified, and the case has gone unsolved for 44 years.
Now, police are reopening their investigation because they believe advanced DNA technology could help identify her killer.
Bailey’s niece, Melissa McBride, told the Daily Mail her family is relieved that investigators are giving the case another look.
‘My family and I are very happy that her case is open and getting the attention it needs. We hope that we may finally get the closure we have been longing for,’ she said.
Detectives believe that Bailey was abducted at some point during her overnight shift, according to the Davie Police Department.
Police have reopened their investigation into the unsolved abduction and murder of Delores Bailey (pictured)
Bailey was only 24-years-old when she reported for her overnight shift at a 7-Eleven in Hollywood, Florida, but never returned home
‘[Bailey] was reported as missing and was never located, leaving behind a husband and a young son,’ police said.
Almost 11 months later, a landscaper working in the wooded area of Griffin Road and the Florida Turnpike discovered skeletal remains.
Detectives and the Broward County Medical Examiner’s office used dental records to identify the body as Bailey’s.
The medical examiners office ruled the case a homicide and determined her cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, police said.
Investigators ‘worked on this case for as long as they could and exhausted all leads,’ but no arrest has ever been made.
Over four decades later, the Davie Police Department announced they have reopened their investigation because they believe new DNA technology could identify her killer.
‘Now, 44 years later, thanks to enhancement in DNA technology and the ability to assist in the identification of possible suspects, this case is being re-opened,’ the department said.
‘Even though technology has improved tremendously, we are still seeking the help of the public.
Bailey’s niece, Melissa McBride, told the Daily Mail her family is relieved that investigators are giving the case another look
Police are reopening their investigation because they believe advanced DNA technology could help identify her killer
‘If you know of this case and who may be involved, please contact Broward County Crime Stoppers. Any help in bringing closure to Delores’ family is greatly appreciated.’
McBride said although she never got to meet Bailey, who was her mother’s sister, their family have never forgotten about her.
‘My mother, her sister Nancy Leikel, was close and has always been open and told me about her sister,’ she said.
‘According to the stories I have heard about her, she was a fun, loving, caring person. Everyone loved her. She was an amazing mother who loved her son very much.
‘I wish I had the opportunity to meet her and get to know her. My whole life, I have been compared to my aunt.’
