On What Would Have Been Her 52nd Birthday, Queens Honors Christine — The Bright, Artistic Teen Whose Unsolved Murder Still Haunts a Community Nearly Four Decades Later

QUEENS, NEW YORK — May 15, 2025

Today, as candles flickered and flowers were gently placed near a quiet stretch of railroad tracks in Queens, New York, a community once again paused to remember Christine — the 14-year-old girl whose brutal and still-unsolved murder has haunted the city for nearly 38 years.

This would have been Christine’s 52nd birthday.

The memory of her smile, her talent, and her gentle spirit continues to linger in the hearts of those who knew her—and even in the minds of those who never met her, but were moved by her tragic story. Her name has become symbolic of innocence lost and justice delayed.

A Promising Life Cut Short

It was a quiet Sunday morning in 1987 when Christine left her family’s home to pick up the Sunday newspaper. She never made it back. Later that day, her body was discovered near a set of railroad tracks. She had been viciously beaten and died from blunt force trauma to the head. The crime shocked the city and devastated the tight-knit Queens neighborhood where she grew up.

Christine was described by loved ones as a sweet, loving young girl with a deep passion for art. She was a talented illustrator who spent hours sketching images of animals, landscapes, and the people she loved. Her drawings are now cherished relics—quiet reminders of a bright soul silenced too soon.

A Trail Gone Cold

In the weeks and months following her murder, police pursued numerous leads. One of the most compelling came from an anonymous caller who claimed that a man had confessed to assaulting a girl near the railroad tracks where Christine’s body was found. That man was located and questioned, but in the absence of physical evidence linking him to the crime, no arrest was made.

Christine’s case eventually grew cold, but her family never gave up hope. Over the years, they have held vigils, distributed flyers, and worked tirelessly to keep her memory alive. “We just want answers,” said one family member. “We want to know who did this and why. Christine deserves that much.”

A Community Still Grieving — and Hoping

Now, nearly four decades later, Christine’s story continues to resonate across New York City. Every year on her birthday, friends, relatives, and community members gather in her honor—laying flowers, lighting candles, and calling once more for justice.

“She would have been 52 today,” said longtime family friend Maria Thompson, her voice breaking. “We imagine what her life could’ve been—maybe an artist, maybe a mother, maybe just happy. But all of that was taken from her.”

Christine’s former classmates, now adults with children of their own, often post tributes on social media, sharing memories of a joyful, kind-hearted girl whose potential was never realized. “She was the sweetest kid,” one friend wrote. “Quiet but always smiling. It still hurts.”

Police: Case Remains Open

The NYPD confirmed this week that Christine’s case remains open and active in their cold case unit. Detectives continue to review evidence and interview witnesses, hoping that advances in forensic technology or a new tip could finally lead to a breakthrough.

“We haven’t given up,” said an NYPD spokesperson. “Christine’s family deserves closure. Someone out there knows what happened. We urge them to come forward—even the smallest detail could make a difference.”

A Legacy of Light

As the sun sets on what should have been her 52nd birthday, Christine’s legacy shines quietly but powerfully. Her story is a reminder of the fragility of life, the enduring pain of unanswered questions, and the strength of a community that refuses to forget.

Christine may have been taken far too soon, but her spirit endures—in every vigil held in her name, in every sketch preserved by her family, and in every voice calling for justice.

Rest in peace, Christine. You are remembered. You are loved. You are not forgotten.