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Date: 2/8/2023
SPRINGFIELD – Nearly 30 years since the disappearance and death of 10-year-old Holly Piirainen, the case remains unsolved, but the release of new evidence might uncover someone who knows something about what happened in 1993.
On Feb. 1, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni hosted a press conference joined by Massachusetts State Police Detective Thomas Sullivan, Assistant District Attorney Beth Dunphy and members of Piirainen’s family.
“We never forget victims of homicide and, more importantly, we work on these cases until justice is served,” said Gulluni. “It is our mission to deliver justice for these victims and their families. For all of us involved, it is a solemn and deeply meaningful obligation.”
He continued, “In this endeavor, we work as many hours as we can devote, we spare no expense, we deploy only the best investigators and we employ the latest technologies; however, in many instances, we cannot do it alone. We need the public’s assistance – we need someone, who knows something, to stand up with us and do what’s right.”
Gulluni explained that the press conference was called to ask members of the media and the public at-large for assistance in the homicide investigation of Piirainen.
On Aug. 5, 1993, Piirainen had been vacationing with her father and other family members at a cottage in Sturbridge. “She was last seen by her father at 11:45 a.m., heading toward a residence around Allen and South Shore roads in Sturbridge to play with puppies she knew were at a home. About one hour later, Holly was reported missing by her father, after she did not return,” Gulluni said.
He went on to say, “Her father immediately began searching for her, finding only her sneaker on South Shore Road. Police were notified and a massive search began by local and state police, sheriff’s departments and law enforcement contingents from Connecticut and Rhode Island. The search stretched on for days and weeks, continuing with no results.”
On Oct. 23, 1993, Piirainen’s remains were found by hunters in a wooded area off Five Bridge Road in Brimfield.
Gulluni shared that the crime scene was photographed and processed by personnel from the Massachusetts State Police, including its Crime Scene Section and Crime Laboratory and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Items discovered at or near the location of Piirainen’s remains were documented, seized and have been maintained by the Massachusetts State Police since that time.
“Throughout the subsequent investigation into Holly’s disappearance and death, evidence has been reviewed, identified for forensic analysis and subjected to various testing procedures,” Gulluni said. “As part of my office’s ongoing efforts to solve outstanding homicide cases, Holly’s case has remained in focus and has been continually reviewed to determine if the application of further forensic and scientific examination would be beneficial.”
Within the past six months, case items documented in 1993 were identified for further forensic testing to expand on previous testing.
Based on those items, only one is being sought out by the public: a white tank top.
Gulluni referenced the item which was displayed on two screens for the public’s viewing. The white tank top was shown to have a blue, purple, and pink colored “Boston” motif on the exterior front. No tags or size information was on the shirt, although it appears to be an adult size, he added.
“We are interested in determining who owned the shirt, its origin or places where it was known to be sold, anything about its manufacture and any information regarding its association with the area of where Holly was found in the Five Bridge Road area of Brimfield,” said Gulluni.
Piirainen’s case was recently included in a deck of playing cards that was distributed in Massachusetts jails and prisons, in partnership with the Massachusetts State Police. Gulluni explained that this aims to encourage tips and information from inmates who may know something about what happened to her.
“As we continue this search for answers, we are here today to issue a clarion call to the public, and together as a community, to finally bring justice for Holly and her family,” shared Gulluni.
Anyone with information that is specifically related to the Boston tank top or any information that is related to Piirainen’s murder is asked to contact Holly’s Tip-Line at 426-3507, or use Text-A-Tip, by texting the word ‘CRIMES’ (274637) and type the word ‘SOLVE’ into the body of the message followed by the tip.
Gulluni noted that on Jan. 19, Piirainen would have celebrated her 40th birthday. “For the past 30 years, the Piirainen family has been coping with this unimaginable tragedy,” he said. “Throughout that time, law enforcement has never stopped working to bring justice to Holly and her family.”
Gulluni recognized members of Piirainen’s family who attended the press conference and those watching at home. “We stand with you and your grief, we share in your loss and we will be relentless in bringing those responsible to justice,” he said.
When it came time for questions, Gulluni was asked when the tank top was discovered and if it was found near Piirainen’s body. He shared that the tank top has been in their possession since her body was found and was in the same vicinity.
Gulluni said “of course” there are persons of interest in this case. In 2020, a body was exhumed from a Hampden County grave because of a possible connection into the investigation of Piirainen’s disappearance and murder. Gulluni noted that the exhumed body is still considered a person of interest as the case remains open.
In 2012, David Pouliot of Springfield was a person of interest, however, Gulluni said he would not comment on Pouliot, as the tank top is the focus of the investigation right now.
On top of the tank top, he noted that there are a dozen pieces of evidence that are still being investigated.
Gulluni reiterated that the tank top has always been a part of the investigation, but improved DNA and forensic technology has allowed them “to do more” in unresolved cases such as Piirainen’s.
“[We are] going to work the case until this case is solved,” Gulluni said. “I know this case is going to be solved.”
Gulluni was also asked about the unsolved case of 16-year-old Molly Bish and if it is related to Piirainen’s case. Bish went missing in June 2000, after being dropped off for her lifeguarding shift at Comins Pond in Warren. Three years later, her body was discovered in the woods not far from the Bish’s family home. To this day, the person responsible for Bish’s murder has not been found. Gulluni said he has nothing but sympathy for the Bish family and prays and hopes for them.
Piirainen’s aunt, Carla Jackman, spoke on behalf of the family following Gulluni’s remarks. Jackman was joined by her husband, John and Piirainen’s grandmother, Maureen Lemieux.
Jackman shared that it has been a “long road,” but remains hopeful that the person responsible for her niece’s death comes forward.
If Piirainen were still alive today, Jackman said, “In my mind, she would’ve been confident [and] strong.”
She continued, “[Holly] loved being out in nature, swimming, playing in the snow.”
Jackman said it is important that people do not forget Piirainen, although she believes that even 30 years later, people have not forgotten. “It’s nice to know people are still interested [and the] press is still covering [the case],” she added.
To educate people on Piirainen’s case and hopefully bring the justice she deserves, a Facebook page was created and can be found at https://www.facebook.com/hollypiirainen/.
At the end of the day, Piirainen was a daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and friend. To put the family’s mind at ease, Jackman said closure is needed.
She extended her appreciation for Sullivan and his team throughout the continued investigation.