Michelle Kasperek was 13 when she disappeared from her family’s home on St. Florian Street in Buffalo on the night of May 4, 1984. Her older brother had been hosting a party there; parents were separated and not at the house. Michelle, described as a shy eighth-grader, was last seen around 11 p.m. heading upstairs to her room. She did not show up at school the next day and was reported missing.

Her body was found that evening in a field near the former Cardinal Dougherty High School on Hertel Avenue. She had been stabbed and her throat so badly cut that she was nearly decapitated. Bruises and scratches indicated a struggle; a bloody steak knife in a paper bag and four strands of hair clutched in her hand were recovered. Investigators judged the killing likely occurred elsewhere because there was little blood at the field scene.

Police say interviewees from the party gave conflicting accounts and that some attendees were believed to be withholding information. A 16-year-old male who had been at the party was considered a suspect but refused to cooperate; forensic testing and later DNA work on the evidence did not produce charges. The case remains open and Crime Stoppers of Western New York has offered a reward.

If anyone who attended that party or knew Michelle’s circle has information, please come forward.