From Sfgate · · 1m 30s
Michele Matteucci's unsolved murder
A Bay Area girl's 1987 murder remains unsolved after California's $50,000 reward for clues.
In brief
A Bay Area girl's 1987 murder remains unsolved after California's $50,000 reward for clues. Michele Rose Matteucci, a 13-year-old girl killed in Daly City in 1987, remains a cold case with no killer identified despite a $50,000 reward from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Originally reported by Sfgate.
Michele Matteucci's death
Michele Rose Matteucci was a 13-year-old eighth grader killed in Daly City on November 10, 1987.
Her final moments
She disappeared near her home after school, later found dead in a backyard with signs of strangulation and sexual assault.
Investigation efforts
Police spent weeks reconstructing her final movements but identified no killer despite hundreds of tips and witness accounts.
Witness accounts
Witnesses described a white man with brown hair, a mustache, goatee, and distinctive clothing near a bus stop where she disappeared.
Reward announcement
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $50,000 reward for information about Michele's murder to help solve the cold case.
Family impact
Her brother Marc described her as a bright student with talents in music and dance who was loved by family and friends.
Historical context
California's violent-crime rate was high in 1987 with nearly 928 violent crimes per 100,000 residents including 10.7 homicides.
Previous victim
Six months earlier, 14-year-old Yvonne Marie Fruit was killed in Daly City in May 1987, possibly linked to Michele's case.
Current investigation
Daly City police continue to review cold cases using new DNA and genetic genealogy techniques to identify her killer.
The key point
Michele Rose Matteucci, a 13-year-old girl killed in Daly City in 1987, remains a cold case with no killer identified despite a $50,000 reward from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
