I used to think that Facebook was just for checking in on old flames, reconnecting with friends, usually to your detriment, and business. But lately, to my surprise, I’ve seen a lot of good coming out of Facebook. For instance, adult children finding their biological parents, parents sticking up for their children against bullies and recently, a 45-year-old hit-and-run cold case solved via Facebook.
Halloween night 1968, Fulton, New York, Carolee Sadie Ashby was 4-years-old. Carolee, her sister and her cousin were walking home from the neighborhood store where they were buying candles to celebrate her sibling’s 15th birthday when the girls were the victims of a hit and run. The sister and cousin were unscathed but little Carolee died from injuries sustained in the accident. For 45 years, Carolee’s family has had no closure. Until now.
A break in the cold case came when retired Fulton detective Lt. Russ Johnson posted the details of the case on a local history Facebook page. A former resident of Fulton who now lives in Florida saw that posting and came forward with new information.