From ABC7 New York · · 1m 10s
Police solve 1986 Massachusetts student murder
Police solved a 1986 Massachusetts student's murder after DNA match linked to a 20-year-old killer.
In brief
Police solved a 1986 Massachusetts student's murder after DNA match linked to a 20-year-old killer. John Carey, convicted of murdering Claire Gravel in 1986, received life without parole after DNA evidence connected him to her tank top. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
Claire Gravel's murder
Claire Gravel, a 20-year-old student, was found strangled near Salem in 1986.
Family's long wait
Claire's family waited decades for answers after her murder remained unsolved for nearly 40 years.
DNA breakthrough
In 2004, police processed Claire's tank top for DNA, but the match remained unidentified for years.
John Carey's connection
John Carey, a man who attended Salem State before Claire, was linked to Claire's tank top DNA in 2022.
Trial and conviction
Carey was convicted of Claire's murder in 2022 after a nearly three-week trial ended with a guilty verdict.
Life without parole
Carey received life in prison without parole after the jury sentenced him to the maximum penalty.
Family's reaction
Claire's family described the relief of finally having answers after decades of uncertainty.
What it means
John Carey, convicted of murdering Claire Gravel in 1986, received life without parole after DNA evidence connected him to her tank top.
