Cold case reopened as new evidence emerges in 1980 murder

In a recent episode of a podcast by the Ada County Sheriff's Office, the tragic story of Mary Tracy, a homicide victim from 1980, was revisited, shedding new light on a case that had gone cold for decades. Mary, a young woman from Ada County, was discovered on June 26, 1980, by a highway crew near Milepost 50 on Highway 55, just a few feet from the road. Her body bore multiple stab wounds and signs of a violent struggle, indicating a brutal attack.

The investigation quickly identified Mary, who had been reported missing by her husband earlier that day. She had left her two daughters with a friend after an argument with her spouse. An autopsy revealed 11 stab wounds, three of which were defensive, suggesting Mary fought for her life. The coroner also noted signs of blunt force trauma and a partial bloody fingerprint on her back, hinting that her body had been moved post-mortem.

Initial inquiries ruled out her husband as a suspect, as he was hospitalized at the time of her disappearance. Investigators then turned their attention to the area where Mary was last seen, a neighborhood rife with bars and nightclubs, which complicated their efforts due to a strained relationship between local businesses and law enforcement.

Despite numerous interviews and leads, including a potential connection to the Sunliner Motel, the investigation stalled, and the case went cold. For decades, only fragments of evidence and rumors circulated about Mary's death.

In August 2023, at the request of one of her daughters, the Ada County Sheriff's Office reopened the case. Cold case investigator Tim Cooper described the case file as chaotic, filled with hundreds of documents, including interview notes and tips. This renewed investigation aims to uncover the truth behind Mary Tracy's tragic death and bring closure to her family after more than 40 years.