25 years after her death, Holly Piirainen's family hosts tip campaign

It's been 25 years since 10-year-old Holly Piirainen was murdered.

To this day, her killer hasn't been brought to justice and questions have been left unanswered.

The Piirainen family, desperate for answers, has put out a $40,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Today, Holly would've been 35 years old, her family says she'd likely be married with kids by now and would have grown up to become a marine biologist.

"It’s been a long 25 years, a lifetime really, two of Holly’s lifetimes," said Richard Piirainen, Holly's dad. "We are hoping someone comes forward with the tip that we need to solve this case after 25 years.”

However, that bright and promising future was taken from her, which is why every fall they renew their push for justice.

A fireside vigil was held on Sunday for the little girl that never had a chance to grow up.

On Aug. 5, 1993, the 10-year-old went for a walk with her little brother near her grandmother's home in Sturbridge to see a new litter of puppies.

Holly's brother came home alone, and the only sign of Holly was one of her shoes found near the intersection of South Shore Drive and Allen Road.

More than two months later, Holly's body was discovered in the woods in Brimfield by some hunters.

Cold case consultant Dr. Sarah Stein and volunteers with the Center for the Resolution of Unresolved Crime are now involved to push for more information with a campaign called "Hope for Holly."

"We have found in the past that these events tend to be successful," said Dr. Stein.

Dr. Stein and volunteers set up at the Sturbridge Host Hotel for a "tips campaign", pushing for anyone with any information to come forward and help them.

“People’s relationships change, they maybe feel more comfortable speaking up now than they did back then," said Carla Jackman, Holly's aunt.

If you have any information you can call the Hampden County State Police Detective Unit at 413-505-5993.

>> MORE: Holly Piirainen: Family holding first vigil ahead of 25-year anniversary

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