Crime & Safety
Alachua County, FL: 2 Unsolved Killings Revisited After 50+ Years
Gainesville, FL – Two unsolved killings in Alachua County are receiving renewed attention Tuesday as investigators mark the anniversaries of crimes committed more than five decades ago, including the
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-27T15:18:46.920Z
Gainesville, FL – Two unsolved killings in Alachua County are receiving renewed attention Tuesday as investigators mark the anniversaries of crimes committed more than five decades ago, including the death of a 16 year old girl whose case is being reevaluated using advances in DNA technology.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff 's Office, October 27 marks the anniversaries of the deaths of Ernestine Boston in 1975 and a 72 year old store owner identified as Ms. Bartley in 1969. Both cases remain unsolved.
16 Year Old Found Dead in 1975
On October 27, 1975, Ernestine Boston, 16, was discovered in a wooded area along Northeast 53rd Avenue near the Gainesville water treatment plant.
More than 50 years later, investigators are continuing efforts to identify the person responsible.
The sheriff's office confirmed that evidence collected at the original crime scene is being resubmitted and reevaluated using improved DNA technology.
Authorities hope the examination could provide new leads and potentially identify a suspect.
Store Owner Killed in 1969
Six years earlier, on October 27, 1969, Ms. Bartley, 72, was found dead inside her store south of Paynes Prairie.
Investigators determined she was the victim of foul play.
The sheriff's office noted that Bartley had lived through the Great Depression and two world wars, reflecting on the life lost and the decades her case has remained unresolved.
Investigators Ask Public for Information
Authorities emphasized that even seemingly minor information could help bring answers to surviving family members.
Anyone with information about either killing is encouraged to contact Sheriff's Sgt. M. Cooper at 352 367 4163 or mbcooper@acso.us .
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of North Central Florida at 352 372 STOP 7867 .
The sheriff's office says it remains committed to seeking justice for both victims and their families.