Molly Bish: 20 years later, a family still grappling with mystery

WARREN, Mass. — This month, it will be exactly 20 years since Molly Bish was last seen alive.

Twenty years.

There is still no arrest.

On the morning of June 27, 2000, Molly’s mother, Magi Bish, dropped Molly off at Comins Pond where Molly was starting her new summer job as a lifeguard.

Molly’s remains were found three years later in the woods of Palmer, Massachusetts.

The disappearance and murder of Molly Bish shocked people well beyond Molly’s small Central Massachusetts town.

I have covered Molly’s case since the beginning. I first uncovered information on Rodney Stanger, one of the potential suspects who continues to be a focal point of the investigation, though authorities will not call Stanger, or anyone else, a suspect. The Bish family has recognized my work on behalf of victims at Missing Children’s Day at the Massachusetts State House.

I find Molly’s case endlessly frustrating.

How could this young woman be taken, in broad daylight, and still no one is held responsible two decades later?

On Thursday, I spoke with Molly’s sister, Heather Bish, who now speaking on behalf of the Bish family.

In years past, vigils and motorcycle rides would bring awareness to Molly’s case.

This year, Heather is trying something different.

Heather is asking that children paint kindness rocks and leave them on the Bish family front lawn in Warren so that Magi Bish can fill her gardens.

On the actual day, Heather is asking neighbors to leave lights on for Molly, as Heather will drive her parents from their home to Comins Pond, the place where Magi last saw her daughter.

Heather Bish explains, all of the events have a very simple purpose.

“I really just want my parents to feel that love that their community has and their gratitude, because of what they did and how they reacted to Molly’s loss,” Heather Bish said. “I want them to remember the good things. And the goodness that’s out there. Even though we don’t have Molly anymore and we don’t know who did this to Molly.”

Heather Bish is also asking that people write about Molly on social media and use the hashtag: #justiceformollybish.

It’s hoped this will keep Molly’s case alive for the public and will serve as a reminder that there is still no justice for Molly Bish.

If you have any information that could help solve the Molly Bish Murder case, call the Massachusetts State Police Tip Line at (508) 453-7575.

More on Molly Bish:

[ Molly Bish's family releases new video on 17th anniversary of her disappearance ]

[ DA optimistic in resolution of Molly Bish case ]

[ Worcester County to retest DNA evidence in Molly Bish murder ]

[ New evidence discovered involving Molly Bish murder, person of interest ]

[ Molly Bish, Rodney Stanger may have crossed paths ]

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• New England's Unsolved Podcast: The Gardner Museum Heist
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