Josephine County, Oregon — A human skull discovered in a field decades ago has finally led to a major break in a chilling 1983 cold case.
Authorities say they’ve arrested Mark Sanfratello, 72, in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, Teresa Peroni, who vanished after a party more than 40 years ago.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office announced Sanfratello’s arrest over the weekend, after a grand jury indicted him on murder charges in Peroni’s death.
Last Seen Alive in the Oregon Woods
Peroni, then 27, was last seen on July 3, 1983, walking into a wooded area with Sanfratello near a party in Selma, Oregon.
The couple had a history of tension, and that night, they reportedly argued after Sanfratello accused Peroni of cheating.
“Teresa was last seen with Sanfratello walking into a wooded area while attending a party,” the sheriff’s office said.
She never returned. Her disappearance was treated as suspicious, but with no body and no witnesses, the case stalled due to a lack of evidence.
Discovery of a Skull and a Long Wait for Answers
In 1997, a landowner stumbled upon a human skull near the area where Peroni had disappeared. Although cadaver dogs were brought in, no other remains were found. The skull was sent to a DNA forensics lab at the University of North Texas, but technology at the time wasn’t advanced enough to confirm identity.
Years passed — until 2024, when the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case.
With the help of modern forensic science, investigators collected new DNA samples from individuals connected to the case. Last month, the lab confirmed that the skull belonged to Teresa Peroni.
Boyfriend Indicted After Decades
With new forensic evidence and fresh witness interviews, a grand jury on June 27, 2025, indicted Sanfratello on murder charges. He was arrested in Chico, California, the following day and is now awaiting extradition to Oregon.
Officials say Sanfratello was taken into custody without incident and has been interviewed by investigators about his role in Peroni’s death.
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Justice After Four Decades
This case is one of the latest examples of how cold case investigations are being revived through DNA technology and persistent police work.
“After 42 years, Teresa Peroni’s case has moved forward — and her family may finally be one step closer to justice,” authorities said.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think cold cases should always remain open until solved — no matter how much time has passed?
How much faith do you place in DNA evidence to bring justice in old cases? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
