NM NM - Patty Pritz, 14, & Mattie Restine, 13, Carlsbad, 11 Aug 1961 - #2

[dotr]

New Mexico creates cold case unit

The New Mexico Department of Justice created a cold case unit to look into unsolved crimes across the state.

www.koat.com

Feb 13, 2024 Nick Catlin
''The New Mexico Department of Justice created a cold case unit to look into unsolved crimes across the state.
The announcement was made by Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who will oversee the three-member unit.''

"Not knowing what happened, not having answers, that’s the hardest thing for a victim’s family, and I want them to know that we will do everything in our power to deliver justice, no matter how long it takes," Torrez said. "This unit is already working with law enforcement agencies across the state, and I encourage every member of the public and every agency, big or small, to reach out and partner with us to try and solve any outstanding homicide and sexual assault cases that have gone cold."

 

[dotr]

Maybe DNA can help to finally bring some closure, imo.

Mattie & Patty

Clipping found in Carlsbad Current-Argus published in Carlsbad, New Mexico on 3/16/2003. Mattie & Patty

www.newspapers.com

Carlsbad, New Mexico • Sun, Mar 16, 2003Page 4
'Murders linger in public's mind Like any community, Carlsbad has seen its share of unsolved crimes. Most are forgotten. But the circumstances surrounding the murders of Mattie Catherine Restine, 13, and Patty Sue Pritz, 14, linger in the public's mind, even after 42 years'

 

[seamonkey1020]

Posting again, after seeing other cases where killers were brought to justice 50+ years after murders:

Had suggested this a few years ago and not sure if comment got lost in the shuffle, but wonder if neighbor on Mesquite Street, Wayne Modrall, was ever investigated. He was in mid 20's, blonde hair at the time, lived kitty corner to the girl on Mesquite and drove a car that matched the description. He is still alive, but living in Fredericksburg Texas. He got rid of the car in question shortly after these murders, and was always creepy and off; he frequently acted like a child with other children and stayed very under the radar, under the watchful eye of his wife. Would like to talk further if you're interested.

Please email me at [email protected]

 

[Baggins555]

Posting again, after seeing other cases where killers were brought to justice 50+ years after murders:

Had suggested this a few years ago and not sure if comment got lost in the shuffle, but wonder if neighbor on Mesquite Street, Wayne Modrall, was ever investigated. He was in mid 20's, blonde hair at the time, lived kitty corner to the girl on Mesquite and drove a car that matched the description. He is still alive, but living in Fredericksburg Texas. He got rid of the car in question shortly after these murders, and was always creepy and off; he frequently acted like a child with other children and stayed very under the radar, under the watchful eye of his wife. Would like to talk further if you're interested.

Please email me at [email protected]

Unfamiliar with the potential suspects in this case but another case I've been following has a potential suspect that has ties to Carlsbad around the same time period. Does anyone from Carlsbad remember or know of a William(Bill) Charles Crouch? He was convicted of molesting several children in Carlsbad and apparently has been linked to a home in Colorado that was used to traffic children in the 80s and 90s. He's a Carlsbad native so thought it was worth sharing here. Might be a long shot but just putting it out there.

 

[dotr]

February 19, 2025

New bill could help solve cold cases in New Mexico

House Bill 340 would allow police to enter the DNA of a suspect who died before being charged into the federal DNA system, CODIS.

www.kob.com

''ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police believe they have an idea that could bring closure to the West Mesa murder victims’ families and possibly help solve several other cold cases.

A new bill proposes processing DNA taken from suspects who died before they could ever face charges. APD believes if it passes, it could have an impact on dozens of the 450 cold cases on department shelves. ''

''House Bill 340 would allow police to enter the DNA of a suspect who died before being charged into the federal DNA system, CODIS. Right now, if someone is arrested, their DNA is gathered but not submitted until charged.
“They have to physically show up in front of a judge before the law will allow us to take their DNA,” Hartsock explained. ''

 

[Jannativenm]

If you were thinking of this recently resolved case and Othram, then we were thinking the same thing!
Ws thread..

NM- DONNA SUE BLACK HYATT, 38, sex. assaulted, stabbed & strangled, Carlsbad, July '87, suspect Michael Ruff Wigley(decd. '89) *DNA identified '23*

https://dnasolves.com/articles/carlsbad-murder-donna-sue-hyatt/ ''Detective Joey Landgraf and Detective Tim Nyce, with the Carlsbad Police Department, began reviewing the cold homicide case 36 years later. They were able to utilize new investigative techniques that could help identify a...

www.websleuths.com

Yes, was also friends with Donna Sue. Definitely never give up!

 

[Jannativenm]

Yes, was also friends with Donna Sue. Definitely never give up!

The best chance for dna is probably in the evidence that is held by the sheriff's office. If the evidence still exists. I will get in touch with Mattie's sister and others to see if we can maybe start a found me for paying for dna. You can contact me at [email protected]. Let's keep in touch!

 

[Baggins555]

The best chance for dna is probably in the evidence that is held by the sheriff's office. If the evidence still exists. I will get in touch with Mattie's sister and others to see if we can maybe start a found me for paying for dna. You can contact me at [email protected]. Let's keep in touch!

DNA, if available would be incredibly helpful. I was hoping you could ask Mattie's sister or anyone old enough to remember if they recall the Crouch family and if they lived nearby? The Crouch family ran a funeral home in Carlsbad and I believe they lived on N. Howard St. Also, was the beach area from where they left a carnival of sorts and if so was it a traveling carnival or was it there year round? thanks!