First, I wanted to say I was hesitating on posting this because I know how difficult it has been for both families of the victims. I'm happy that they can finally have some answers after 29 years. I wish them continued strength to get through this as details emerge. Let's keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
-------------------------------------------
I have never forgotten the story of the 2 teens disappearance and later discovery of their bodies. Neither have many others in Jefferson County. Just mention the names Timothy Hack and Kelly Drew and everyone remembers. They never say "who is that?" They know. After all these years, it has been a topic that comes up from time to time. People always wondered who did it. It remained a mystery for 29 years. Now we finally might have the answer.
Police just arrested 76 year old Edward W. Edwards in the 1980 murders of Tim Hack and Kelly Drew. Back in Aug. of that year the young couple attended a wedding at the Concord House near Sullivan in Jefferson County. That would the last time anyone would see them. The next morning the families already knew something was wrong. Tim's car was still in the parking lot with his wallet and checkbook. Friends, family, police and volunteers searched around the Concord House and the areas around it for weeks. They searched by foot, horseback and helicopter. Soon the FBI got involved in the search. The only thing they found was some articles of clothing in roadway ditches. It wasn't until Oct. that 2 hunters stumbled on to the bodies of the victims 8 miles from the wedding hall.
Over the years, police have followed thousands of leads and questioned over 100 possible suspects. It wasn't until earlier this year that the state received special funds for cold case files like this one. Also, advances in DNA testing played a part in the arrest.
There are so many questions about this case that need answering. Details are starting to come out now. It turns out that Edwards was on the FBI's 10 most wanted list back in 1961. He committed crimes in several states. Was questioned about a murder in the state of Oregon in 1960. He has been in jail numerous times over the years for other crimes. He lived near the Concord House back in 1980 from July to Sept. He was a handyman at the Concord House during that time and had been there the night the teens disappeared. Edwards left Wis. without leaving a forwarding address after he was questioned about the teens. DNA matched him to samples taken from Kelly's clothing.
The 19 year old couple were buried together under a double heart headstone that reads, "kidnapped and slain."
Arrest made in Hack/Drew case
Story on Edwards
Linear Mode
