Patricia Ann Moore, who is known to relatives as “Patty,” was 10 years old when she was murdered. Her body was found in a wooded area in Clifton, Virginia, more than 50 years ago, and the person responsible for her death has yet to be brought to justice.
On July 5, 1970, Patricia left her home on 7359 Clifton Road, wearing an orange and white striped blouse with orange shorts and green shoes.
She went walking to a friend’s house at 7408 Maple Branch Road, but she never arrived, according to the Prince William County Police Department.
Just 17 days after Patricia went missing, On July 22, 1970, FBI agents arrested an 18-year-old male at the home he shared with his parents in Hillside, Maryland.
He was a former student at Prince George’s Community College who contacted Patricia’s parents and asked for $20,000 for her safe return.
Police learned through an investigation that he had no connection with Patricia’s disappearance. He was booked into the county jail on a $10,000 bond.
He was charged with violating the federal extortion statute.
Three months later, on Oct. 10, 1970, Patricia was found dead in Prince William County. Her skeletal remains, a skull and a jaw bone, were discovered by two hunters.
The remains were located in a wooded area at Rippon Lodge Estate off of Old Colchester Road near Cow Branch Bridge in Woodbridge.
More bones were found three miles from the Fairfax-Prince William border, The Bee reported.
Investigators believe that the may have been scattered around by animals.
Investigators have worked diligently throughout the years to find Patricia’s killer, but ultimately, no arrests have been made, and her case remains unsolved.
Anyone with information regarding the unsolved murder of Patricia Ann Moore is encouraged to contact the Cold Case Unit at (703) 792-7000 or send an email to policedept@pwcgov.org.