1. Woman last seen in 1968 with killer boyfriend
2. Skeletal remains found on Florida beach traced to woman last seen in 1968.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : A Florida sheriff’s office made a significant breakthrough in a decades-old homicide case, finally identifying the victim after nearly 40 years of investigation.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 8 that human remains discovered in a shallow grave on Crescent Beach in April 1985 belonged to a white female, believed to be between the ages of 30 and 50 at the time of her death. The circumstances surrounding the discovery pointed to homicide as the cause of death.
After years of fruitless efforts to solve the case, the remains were sent to Othram, a private forensics lab, in 2023. Through advanced DNA technology and genealogy databases, investigators were able to identify the victim as Mary Alice Pultz in January 2024.
Mary Alice Pultz, born in 1943 and originally from Maryland, was last seen by her family in 1968 after leaving with her boyfriend, John Thomas Fugitt. The investigation revealed that Pultz had undergone brain surgery post-1968, indicated by burr holes in her skull. Authorities suspect she was involved in an event that caused severe trauma, necessitating hospitalization.
John Thomas Fugitt, considered a person of interest in the case, passed away. Fugitt, also known as Billy Joe Wallace, was convicted of murder in Georgia in 1981 and died in prison before his execution.
Chief Medical Examiner Wendolyn Sneed noted that Pultz had suffered severe trauma, likely from a vehicular accident or being struck by a vehicle. Additionally, evidence of an abscess in her upper gum line suggested she experienced discomfort and pain.
Sheriff Rob Hardwick commended the investigative team for their dedication, stating, “The combination of highly skilled detectives and advanced DNA technology has given Mary Alice’s family some closure after close to 40 years.” He emphasized the department’s commitment to seeking justice for homicide victims and their families.
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office continues to actively investigate the case and encourages anyone with information to contact crimetips@sjso.org or call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).
This breakthrough in the long-standing cold case serves as a testament to the perseverance and determination of law enforcement officials in solving crimes and bringing closure to families impacted by such tragedies..
“Skeletal remains found on Florida beach traced to woman last seen in with killer boyfriend”
“Florida beach skeletal remains traced to woman last seen in with killer boyfriend”.
