
Pleasantville: The Unsolved Murder Of 76-Year-Old Linda Misek-Falkoff
On October 30, 2014, a disturbing discovery was made at a home on Grandview Avenue in Pleasantville, New York. The body of 76-year-old Linda Misek-Falkoff, the house's sole resident, was found after a concerned mail carrier noticed an accumulation of mail in her mailbox. Misek-Falkoff had been dead for several days, and her case quickly turned into a homicide investigation.
A Homicide with No Witnesses
An autopsy by the Westchester County Medical Examiner confirmed that Misek-Falkoff's death was a homicide caused by multiple stab wounds. Police found that the front door of her house was unlocked, but there were no signs of forced entry, which complicated the investigation. Capt. Mark Busche, who supervises cold cases for the Westchester County Police Department, noted that the lack of witnesses to the crime made the case even more challenging. Additionally, by the time her body was discovered, decomposition posed significant forensic challenges.
Clues, But No Breakthroughs
Despite strong evidence collected from the crime scene, including physical evidence and potential leads, investigators have struggled to make significant progress in the case. In the years following her death, there have been no new tips from the public. However, Captain Busche remains hopeful, pointing to the recent success of revisiting older cases with new technologies. "We’re confident that somebody knows something," he said, stressing that the case remains open and active.
A Closer Look at Misek-Falkoff’s Life
Linda Misek-Falkoff had led an accomplished life. Widowed for four years before her death, she had worked as an attorney and spent many years with IBM. Her home, however, was a stark contrast to her professional background—filled with possessions, boxes, and debris. Police have not ruled out whether the killer had a personal connection to Misek-Falkoff, but the investigation has yet to uncover a clear motive.
Ongoing Efforts to Solve the Case
Though over 10 years have passed since Misek-Falkoff's tragic death, the case remains open. Westchester County police continue to review the evidence, and technology is playing an increasingly important role in cold cases. In fact, recent developments have led authorities to take another look at older unsolved crimes, bolstering their belief that justice can still be served.
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Gallery Credit: Nick Kessler
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