15-year-old girl from Queens, identified 40 years later, likely buried before being discarded in a dumpster.

The family of a 15-year-old girl from Queens, New York, who vanished over 40 years ago, is grappling with a mix of grief and relief following the grim revelation of her fate. Authorities have identified remains found in a Long Island dumpster in November 1982 as Susan “Suzy” Mann, who disappeared from her Hollis home in May 1980. The identification was made possible through advancements in DNA technology, which allowed for a family DNA match to be established after the remains were exhumed earlier this year.

Susan Mann left her home on May 17, 1980, intending to retrieve a stolen pocketbook belonging to her older sister, Debra. Susan, a freshman at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, was last seen riding a bicycle borrowed from a friend, hoping to confront some girls she believed had taken the bag. Tragically, her body was later discovered in a dumpster outside Cantor Glass Works in Freeport, approximately 12 miles from her home. Investigators suspect she was murdered shortly after her disappearance; however, the connection was not made at the time due to a lack of evidence.

The victim’s sister expressed overwhelming emotions upon learning of Susan’s identification, stating that the family had long held out hope for closure. Unfortunately, their parents passed away without ever knowing what had happened to their daughter, leaving a significant emotional void. The tragedy of Susan’s case compelled her sister to share the story with her children throughout the years, fostering hope that her aunt would one day return.

Law enforcement officials, led by Captain Stephen Fitzpatrick of the Nassau County Police Department’s homicide squad, indicated that there were indications that Susan had been buried before her remains were moved and discarded. Although the cause of death is still undetermined, further investigation into the circumstances surrounding her murder remains a priority.

Only recently did technology enable authorities to exhume Susan’s body for DNA testing. Samples were initially collected in September 2023, but it wasn’t until a family member conducted an ancestry test that a connection was finally made in March 2024. The victim’s sister assisted the investigation by providing her DNA, which confirmed the family link.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement is appealing to the public for any information related to the case. They have offered a ,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest. The family recently held a symbolic ceremony to reinter Susan’s remains and find peace in her memory, reflecting on the vibrant, intelligent young woman she was.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-TIPS, with the assurance that all calls will be kept confidential. This development not only sheds light on a decades-old mystery but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved cases on families and communities alike.