On Saturday, December 6 at 10:00 PM ET/PT, CBS’s 48 Hours airs a powerful new episode, “Help Find Molly Bish’s Killer,” revisiting one of Massachusetts’ most painful and unresolved cases. Correspondent Erin Moriarty returns to Warren, Massachusetts, to explore the decades-long investigation into the disappearance and murder of 16-year-old Molly Bish. As the episode unfolds, the focus turns to how technology and public engagement may finally bring resolution to a case that has haunted a community for 25 years.
The Disappearance of Molly Bish
On June 27, 2000, Molly Bish was dropped off by her mother, Magi, at her lifeguard post at Comins Pond in Warren, a small town in central Massachusetts. It was Molly’s seventh day on the job. Three hours later, local police contacted the Bish family with alarming news—no lifeguard had been on duty that day, and Molly’s belongings were left untouched on the beach.
Her sandals, chair, lunch, and two-way radio remained at the post. There were no signs of struggle, but it was clear Molly was missing. The ensuing search became the largest and most expensive missing person investigation in Massachusetts history. Helicopters, divers, dogs, and thousands of volunteers scoured the area, but no trace of Molly was found.
A Break Comes Too Late
Three years after her disappearance, in June 2003, Molly’s remains were found in a wooded area in neighboring Palmer, roughly five miles from her home. A hunter had initially spotted a blue swimsuit in the woods in the fall of 2002, but it wasn’t reported until the following spring. An intensive search of the area known as Whiskey Hill led to the grim discovery.
Because of the time elapsed and decomposition, authorities could not determine a cause of death. Nonetheless, the case transitioned from a missing person to a homicide. Despite renewed hope that the discovery would generate leads, the investigation hit repeated dead ends, with no arrests made.
Multiple Suspects, No Arrests
Over the years, several suspects emerged. In 2009, attention turned to Rodney Stanger, a man with a violent past who had lived near Warren and moved to Florida after Molly’s death. He fit the description of a man seen by Magi Bish in a white sedan near Comins Pond the day before Molly disappeared. Stanger fished in Comins Pond and hunted near Whiskey Hill, further raising suspicions. Despite extensive investigation, no charges were filed.
Another potential suspect, Gerald Battistoni, a convicted rapist, was named in 2011. He was later linked to the area where Molly’s remains were found and resembled the composite sketch drawn from Magi’s memory. Battistoni attempted suicide in prison shortly after being named, and he died in 2014 without being charged.
In 2021, District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. named Francis Sumner as a person of interest. Sumner had a long criminal history and was a registered sex offender who operated businesses in the area. He died in 2016, but DNA from his son was tested to determine any familial connection to evidence in the Bish case. The results were not a match.
A Family’s Unwavering Mission
Throughout the decades, Molly’s family has remained at the forefront of advocacy and public awareness. Her sister Heather Bish has become a tireless activist, launching social media campaigns to keep Molly’s story alive. Using platforms like TikTok, Heather has reached millions with Molly’s case, hoping that someone will recognize a face or detail that could lead to justice.
The family’s frustration with law enforcement has also been public. They have pointed to missteps early in the investigation, such as not preserving the scene, early focus on Molly’s boyfriend, and loss of potential evidence. They have called for new investigators to take over the case, arguing that progress requires fresh eyes and the latest forensic methods.
The Legacy of Molly Bish
Despite the lack of resolution, Molly Bish’s legacy lives on. In 2004, her parents helped establish the Molly Bish Center for the Protection of Children and the Elderly at Anna Maria College. The center advocates for missing persons and provides resources for families navigating similar tragedies.
The family also holds annual vigils at Comins Pond, where Molly’s life was last seen in motion. For them, justice is not just about finding the perpetrator, but ensuring Molly’s story helps protect others. They believe that continued pressure, technology, and community involvement could still bring the truth to light.
The Case Today
As of 2025, over 6,700 leads have been reviewed. More than 260 pieces of evidence remain in state storage. Recent updates confirm that advances in forensic science, including the use of familial DNA, are being employed to re-test items collected over two decades ago.
The Bish family remains hopeful. “You can’t give up,” Magi Bish said in a recent interview. “We promised Molly we’d never forget her. We promised we’d never stop.” Their commitment has kept the case in public view, drawing support from across the country.
Viewers can tune in to 48 Hours on December 6 to witness this family’s enduring search for justice—and perhaps play a role in helping finally solve one of New England’s most heartbreaking mysteries.
More “Help Find Molly Bish’s Killer”
- “Help Find Molly Bish’s Killer”: 48 Hours Revisits Case December 6 2025
- Who Was Molly Bish & What Happened to Her? 2025 Update & Background