In April of 1973, a wolf in sheep's clothing discarded his pelt, and the town of Steuben, New York, was forever changed.
For 186 years, the town of Steuben, New York, enjoyed a peaceful existence. This all changed on the morning of April 26, 1973, when aging farmer James Weaver saw a green car dragging something behind it (Blanchfield, 2009). Smaller than a cow, he thought. Or possibly he was watching two people driving away from their wedding, dragging cans behind them.
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Whatever had been dragged left a trail of blood that, when tracked, covered nine-and-a-half-miles on the Latteiman and Potato Hill Roads. It ended at a secluded cul-de-sac on the north side of Latteiman, near the burned remains on a woman's belongings (Blanchfield, 2009). When the Utica Police investigated, they found the footless, handless, faceless remains of 56 year-old Mary Rose Turner.
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The investigation led them to 33 year-old Bernard Hatch, a former marine with a history of sexual assault. The trial that resulted from his arrest still ranks today at the longest-running trial in Oneida County history. Hatch was convicted of Mary Rose's murder and was sentenced to a prison term of life.
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This website explores the murder, its location, and the possibilities that Mary Rose Turner was not Bernard Hatch's only victim.
Bernard Hatch's mug shot, taken after his arrest for the murder of Mary Rose Turner. Utica, New York. Click on the photo to see more images.
Capel Ucha Cemetery, Starr Hill
Road, Steuben. Click on the photo for a history of Steuben.
