Mae Edith Thornton, 34, was found murdered on May 4, 1996, in a wooded area near 1600 SE 4th Avenue in Gainesville, Florida. Her body appeared to have been deceased for some time before discovery and officials ruled her death a homicide.

No suspects have been publicly identified and the case remains unsolved. The City of Gainesville has offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest, and the Gainesville Police Department continues to include Thornton’s case in cold case investigations. Her family and the local community were deeply affected by the loss.

Anyone with information that could help bring justice and closure is urged to contact the Gainesville Police Department.