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Bishop charged in 40-Year-Old Cold Case
Lorraine Snell was only 19 years old when she was found strangled in the back of a station wagon in Brooklyn, New York. From the start, police had a suspect in mind as well as DNA evidence. Unfortunately, DNA testing was non-existent at the time, and the case eventually went cold.
But one person never gave up hope. For 40 long years, Lorraine’s mother faithfully continued to seek justice for her daughter. Her persistence paid off when ex-con turned bishop James Burrus was indicted for her murder in March 2020.
Background
Lorraine Snell and her family immigrated to the United States from Panama when she was just six months old. The middle child of three siblings, Lorraine had a happy childhood and was very active in her church choir.
In September 1980, Lorraine had a promising future ahead of her. She had just started a job as a legal secretary for the Brooklyn district attorney. To add to her excitement, she was newly engaged.
