Hampden DA releases DNA

Using DNA evidence from this investigation, Snapshot produced trait predictions for the associated person of interest in the 1990 homicide of Shana B. Price in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD - Thirty-two years after 17-year-old Shana B. Price was killed in Springfield, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni released a DNA-generated composite sketch of her suspected killer and renewed appeals for the public's help in the case.

Price's nude, bloody body was found by a Parks Department foreman draped over a wooden fence near the entrance of Blunt Park on Dec. 26, 1990. No arrests were made and her killer was never identified.

On Wednesday morning, Gulluni released a DNA phenotyping sketch of her assailant and announced a dedicated tip line for the investigation.

The sketches showed a light-skinned man of Caribbean, Dominican or African-American descent, with brown or hazel eyes and a non-freckled complexion. The computer-generated drawings showed the suspect at ages 25 and 57. The DNA was gleaned from the crime scene and has been uploaded into national and international databases since 2003 with no hits, Gulluni said.

Members of his unresolved cases unit are working alongside Springfield police detectives to reinvigorate the investigation.

"Let me be clear to the person responsible for Shana's death (we) have your DNA. Justice is coming for you," Gulluni said.

Three of Price's family members attended the press conference: her sister; her uncle; and her son, who was just 1 year old when his mother was murdered.

"I’m glad my sister's case has come to the forefront and that there is some traction. It has been almost 32 years of struggle, no closure, wondering ... looking over our shoulders and hoping that we get some answers," said sister Laquana Price, of Las Vegas, following Gulluni's remarks.

The dedicated tip line for calls or texts with information about Price's murder is 413-432-9881.

Gulluni and Laquana Price implored anyone with any information about the girl's death reach out and help investigators.

This is a breaking story that will be updated with additional information.

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