Mayville, N.Y. – In 1972, a tragic incident shook the town of Jamestown when 14-year-old Patricia “Patty” Fairbanks went missing after leaving her home. Her older sister, Pam Wakeley, who was 18 at the time, still vividly remembers the heart-wrenching events that followed. Patty had ventured to a nearby drug store but never returned. The family’s frantic search ended a month later when Patty’s lifeless body was discovered near their home, a victim of a brutal crime that left Wakeley and her family shattered.
Decades have passed, but the pain of Patty’s unsolved case still lingers for Wakeley. With approximately 40 unsolved cases in Chautauqua County, the Fairbanks case remains the oldest and most haunting. However, recent developments have offered a glimmer of hope for justice. The Chautauqua Unsolved Crimes Unit, led by senior investigators Tom Di Zinno and Tom Tarpley, has received a significant grant to enhance forensic testing capabilities and revisit cold cases like Patty’s with modern technology.
The unit’s efforts aim to bring closure to families like Wakeley’s, who cling to the hope of finding answers even after so many years of anguish. Through meticulous investigation, the detectives have created detailed “murder books” and established a platform on social media to gather tips and information from the community. Their dedication to solving these cases reflects a commitment to honoring the memories of those lost to senseless violence.
Among the cases under scrutiny, Patty’s stands out as a symbol of unresolved tragedy. The investigators, hailing from California, have immersed themselves in the local community to understand the gravity of each case and prioritize those with the highest potential for resolution. Patty’s resting place in Lakewood serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of her loss, prompting Wakeley to push for justice with renewed vigor.
As the detectives continue their work, the unit’s focus expands to include other high-profile cases like the murder of Yolanda Bindics and the disappearances of Lori Bova and Corrie Anderson. Each case represents a puzzle waiting to be solved, a story longing for closure, and a community seeking justice. Despite the passage of time, the investigators remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth, offering hope to families like Wakeley’s that justice will prevail in the end.
