Crime & Safety
Pennsylvania State Police Offer Reward in 1997 Cold Case
Damascus Twp., PA – The Pennsylvania State Police Troop R in Honesdale is renewing efforts to solve a cold case homicide that occurred nearly three decades…
By Owen Prescott · 2026-09-09T18:40:15.416Z
Damascus Twp., PA – The Pennsylvania State Police Troop R in Honesdale is renewing efforts to solve a cold case homicide that occurred nearly three decades ago. Authorities are currently offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest or the resolution of the investigation into the death of 43 year old Patricia Woll.
According to the official report, the investigation began in the early morning hours of August 28, 1997. At approximately 1:30 a.m., the Wayne County Communication Center received an emergency call reporting a residential structure fire on River Road in Damascus Township. Once local fire departments arrived on the scene and successfully suppressed the blaze, emergency responders discovered the remains of Woll inside the residence.
A thorough investigation was subsequently conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police. Experts ruled the fire as arson and concluded that the manner of Woll’s death was homicide. Despite the extensive efforts of investigators over the years, the case remains unsolved, prompting the agency to use the PSP Tips program to solicit new leads from the public.
Any individuals possessing information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the PSP Tips line at 1 800 472 8477 or visit the organization& 39;s website at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107 . Officials state that callers may remain anonymous and emphasize that the cash reward is funded through private efforts rather than taxpayer dollars. As of the latest release, all information provided is subject to updates as the investigation progresses.
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