On June 5, 1982, 17 year old Judith Chartier of Chelmsford, MA was at a party with some friends. At around 2AM Judith left the party that was in the neighboring town of Billerica. She was never seen again. The news of Judith’s disappearance devastated her family and the small community that is about 30 minutes northwest of Boston. Massive investigations ensued, but unfortunately, evidence of what happened to Judith has continued to elude authorities.

“We make a commitment to families when someone either loses their life or disappears that we will not give up on the cases,” said Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, “and I know, often, when there is not a result, people think that means there is no effort.” Judith’s family and the police have never given up looking for answers as to what happened nearly 40 years ago. One of the factors holding the investigation back was the fact that until now, the technology needed to find such answers was not yet available. On November 2, 2021, new drone technology finally led investigators to evidence that could provide Judith’s family with some closure.

Civilians Bruce Stebbins and Hans Hug of Sonar Search and Recovery stepped in to apply their underwater drone expertise to search the Concord River, where investigators believed to be the most likely place to find Judith. Bruce and Hans use drone technology from EdgeTech, based out of West Wareham, MA. EdgeTech develops a range of underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicles) for use in many applications. The company’s drones have long been favorited throughout New England for use in hydrographic surveying, offshore gas and oil inspections, securities, underwater mooring and retrieval operations, and search and rescue missions.

Using EdgeTech’s Side Scan Sonar drone system, Bruce and Hans were able to locate a car amongst the debris of the Concord River, 10ft below the surface. And as District Attorney Ryan said, Bruce, Hans, and the drone proved to be the critical missing link in the investigation. Using data collected by the drone, the Massachusetts State Police Dive Team, with the assistance of civilian divers, was able to raise the mystery car out of the river. The VIN on the 1972 Dodge Dart Swinger confirmed that the car was in fact the vehicle Judith was driving on that fateful night.

Investigators also found physical evidence within the car, a purse containing Judith’s work ID. Along with the purse, human remains were retrieved from the car. “That does not mean the remains are Judy Chartier but it is a piece of information we’ve taken from that area,” said District Attorney Ryan. She went on to say, “This is a very significant development in this case and we are still processing the car for any additional evidence. Sadly, this discovery comes after nearly forty heartbreaking years of Judith’s friends and family missing her and wondering about what happened that day. We are committed to continuing the search for those answers.”

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