Accused Murderer In 1986 Massachusetts Cold Case Charged

PLYMOUTH, MA — A North Carolina man accused of killing a 15-year-old teenager in Kingston in 1986 was charged with murder Tuesday. Michael Hand, 61, of North Carolina, was indicted on murder, kidnapping and assault with intent to rape a child charges in Plymouth County District Court. He was arrested in March in North Carolina.

The victim was 15-year-old Tracy Gilpin, the sister of Kerry Gilpin, current head of the Massachusetts State Police. Tracey Gilpin died of a "massive" skull fracture. Her body was found October 22, 1986, in Myles Standish State Park in Plymouth.

Authorities released new details on the case Tuesday following Hand's indictment. Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said Hand followed Gilpin after she left a party, attempted to sexually assault her and dropped a 73-pound boulder on her head.

Following Hand's arrest, Kerry Gilpin released this statement: "For the past three decades, we have remained hopeful that Tracy's murderer would be identified. The much-welcomed news of an arrest in the case leaves us cautiously optimistic that justice for Tracy is within reach."

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Photo: Tracy Gilpin. (Credit: Massachusetts State Police)