February 26, 2025 • 24 mins
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Sharon Thor's tragic disappearance and murder in 1982 still resonate in her community decades later. Exploration of her life, the subsequent search efforts, and an enduring commitment to justice highlight the resilience of those seeking answers.
• Sharon's upbringing and passion for dance
• The timeline of Sharon's disappearance
• Initial community response and police hesitance
• Discovery of Sharon’s body and investigation challenges
• Revival of interest in the case through community initiatives
• Recent developments regarding forensic advancements
• Family reflections, ongoing advocacy, and memorial efforts
Change.org Petition: https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-the-thor-family-get-the-case-solved
'Remembering Sharon' Play: https://read.amazon.com/?asin=B0792XNV11&ref_=dbs_t_r_kcr
Source Materials: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JmcaVEQolwqlStt86NV8_OYpK_6SGk5K5CVTxHgIOIE/edit?usp=sharing
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hey all my fellow crime connoisseurs, I'm your
host, grace D, and I'm back.
I'm sorry for just up andabandoning you all.
Over the summer, thanks to thelove and support of my fiancé
Don, I decided to not only goback to school to finish my
bachelor's degree, but also topursue my dreams of becoming an
(00:22):
attorney.
So, between getting back intothe groove of school, studying
for the LSAT, working full-time,committing myself to another 29
of 29 event, but this time asan athlete with the Kyle Peace
Foundation, and being a presentsupportive partner, the podcast
quickly fell to the wayside as Ilearned how to navigate
(00:43):
everything and come up with astructured routine to keep on
track.
I'm in a good spot now to beable to get back into this
passion of mine, and I hope thatyou all can understand and
forgive me and continue to beloyal crime connoisseurs.
With that being said, let metell you a bit about today's
case.
We're diving into a case thathas haunted a quiet community of
(01:07):
Franklin Township, New Jersey,for decades.
This case leaves so manyunanswered questions and remains
unsolved to this day.
This is the case of Sharon Thor.
Sharon Thor was born on October28, 1966, to Sonia and Frank
(02:03):
Thor Senior in Elizabeth, newJersey.
She was one of five childrenand the only girl in the family.
During her childhood, thefamily moved a few times, first
to Roselle and then to FranklinTownship, where they eventually
settled.
Sharon was a dedicated dancer,having taken lessons since
(02:24):
preschool.
Her passion for dance had asignificant influence on her
life.
She was dedicated to her balletand tap dancing lessons at the
Neva McCrimmon School of Dancein Boundbrook, new Jersey.
She was strongly committed todance and often practiced and
performed, which likely helpedher develop discipline and time
(02:47):
management skills.
Her love for dance gave her acreative outlet and a sense of
purpose.
Despite the challenges shefaced, such as wearing a brace
for six months to correct herinward turn legs, she remained
committed to her dance practice.
Inward turn legs she remainedcommitted to her dance practice.
(03:08):
This dedication to dance likelycontributed to her resilience
and determination in other areasof her life, including her
schoolwork.
Sharon was described as a sweet,kind girl, well-liked by her
peers and a vibrant anddedicated person.
To those who knew her, she hada deep passion for ballet and
often danced around her familyhome, making her older brothers
(03:30):
watch as she leaped with pointedtoes.
Her mother, sonia, mentionedthat growing up with four
brothers, made Sharon a strongindividual who was always stuck
up for her younger brother.
Sharon was known for herbeautiful blue eyes and wavy
hair.
Despite her young age, she haddreams of opening her own dance
(03:52):
studio.
Her commitment to dance and hercaring nature left a lasting
impression on those around her.
In 1982, franklin Township was aplace where neighbors knew each
other and doors were often leftunlocked.
It was a place where violentcrime was a rarity, especially
(04:13):
against a young girl.
On October 26, 1982, the quiettranquility of Franklin Township
was shattered.
The quiet tranquility ofFranklin Township was shattered
On October 26th.
Sharon was watching TV beforeit was time to leave for her
ballet lesson when, at around5.45 pm, she received a phone
(04:36):
call.
After the call, she hurriedoutside, walked down the street
and climbed into the passengerside of the vehicle.
She told her mother, sonia,that she would be right back.
She did not take her purse withher.
Unfortunately, sharon wouldnever return home.
(04:59):
Sharon was last seen wearing ared and white striped sweater,
blue jeans sneakers and a goldnecklace with a love charm.
When Sharon didn't return homefor her dance lesson, the worry
began to sink in for her parents, sonia and Frank, immediately
(05:21):
reported Sharon missing to theFranklin Township Police
Department when she didn'treturn home in time for her
dance lesson.
Despite their urgency, thepolice initially hesitated to
process a missing person'sreport for at least 24 hours.
In an article by Susan Russellfor Central Jersey Home News
Tribune, sonia Thor said, quotethen Sharon's not coming back
(05:42):
and not coming back.
My husband is coming and Sharonhasn't come back.
We went to the police stationright away, but at that time you
had to wait 24 hours.
So we went to the dancingschool.
We went everywhere that sheknows people, through the whole
neighborhood, through all of thestores on Easton Avenue Like
McDonald's Nothing, nothing,nothing, nothing, nothing.
(06:06):
End quote all of the stores onEaston Avenue like McDonald's
nothing, nothing, nothing,nothing, nothing.
End quote.
Sonia and Frank didn't sleepthat night because they expected
Sharon to come home at any time.
Sonia thought about searchingin the woods and taking the
family's German shepherd withher to look around, and she did
just that Quote.
I didn't want to find anything,but the instinct just pushed me
(06:30):
out.
I wanted to take a walk inthere and I came back with the
dog end quote.
Sonia didn't find anythingduring her search.
The following day the Thorfamily returned to the police
station.
Since Sharon was still missing,and the official search for
(06:50):
Sharon began, the localcommunity quickly rallied to
assist in the search.
Volunteers, friends andneighbors joined law enforcement
in scouring the area aroundSharon's home.
The search focused on thewooded areas and dirt roads near
Sharon's home.
This area was known to befrequented by local teenagers
(07:15):
for various activities.
Three days later, on October 29,1982, the day after what would
have been Sharon's 16th birthdayat around 2.30 pm Sharon Thor's
body was discovered in thewooded area off of a dirt road
(07:36):
at about a quarter mile from herhome.
Her body had been concealed,partially clothed and brutally
beaten.
Partially clothed and brutallybeaten.
Near Sharon's body, a bloodycinder block and two by four
were found and believed to bethe murder weapons.
An autopsy was conducted at thestate medical examiner's office
(07:59):
in Newark, new Jersey.
The autopsy revealed thatSharon had been killed at
approximately 6.30 pm, just anhour after she had left her home
, and that her head and chesthad been crushed.
The autopsy also revealed thata 2x4 and cylinder block that
(08:20):
were found near her body were infact the murder weapons were in
fact the murder weapons.
The state lab conductedextensive tests on the
cinderblock N2x4, searching forany DNA evidence.
They meticulously examined thesurfaces for blood, hair and
other biological materials thatcould link the murder weapons to
(08:44):
the perpetrators that couldlink the murder weapons to the
perpetrators.
This included testing for anytraces of Sharon's DNA, as well
as potential DNA from theattackers.
In addition to DNA,investigators looked for
fingerprints on the cinder blockin 2x4.
Any identifiable prints couldprovide a direct link to the
(09:06):
suspects or individuals who hadbeen in contact with Sharon.
The lab also analyzed traceevidence such as fibers, soil
and other materials that mighthave been transferred to the
murder weapons.
A neighborhood child reportedseeing Sharon getting into the
(09:27):
passenger side of a car near herhome.
Two men believed to be in theirlate teens or early twenties
were in the vehicle and believedto live in Franklin Township.
The person who called Sharonand the individuals in the
vehicle have never beenidentified.
(09:48):
The driver was described as awhite male with dark colored
hair.
The vehicle was described as adirty old car with a loud
muffler and something that waspossibly covering the inside of
the rear window and that it wasbacking up as if it was
unfamiliar with the area.
Investigators attempted totrace vehicles matching this
(10:11):
description, but no definitivematches were found.
Law enforcement received tipsfrom the community, including
reports of unauthorized vehiclesfrequently seen in the wooded
area where Sharon's body wasfound.
These tips weren't investigated, but none led to a breakthrough
(10:31):
.
Unfortunately, sharon's casequickly went cold after the
initial investigation.
Despite extensive efforts bylaw enforcement and the
community, the lack of concreteleads and definitive evidence
made it challenging to solve.
(10:52):
In the wake of Sharon's unsolvedmurder, nick Polino Jr, a
friend of the family, took itupon himself to create a
poignant play titled RememberingSharon.
This play is more than just aperformance.
It was a deeply personalproject for Nick, who was a
friend of Sharon's.
Her tragic death left a lastingimpact on him and the entire
(11:17):
community.
The purpose of RememberingSharon is twofold One to honor
Sharon's memory and two to raiseawareness about her unsolved
murder.
The play serves as a reminderof the importance of safety,
crime prevention and communityvigilance.
(11:37):
Through this powerful medium,nick aimed to bring people
together to remember Sharon andsupport the ongoing quest for
justice.
The community has played asignificant role in keeping
Sharon's memory alive andsupporting the investigation.
Local community members likeFrank Resta, who attended high
(12:00):
school with Sharon, have beeninstrumental in bringing renewed
attention to the case have beeninstrumental in bringing
renewed attention to the case.
Resta started a reward fund toencourage anyone with
information to come forward, andvarious fundraising events have
been held to support this cause.
Resta didn't know Sharonpersonally, but he remembers the
(12:21):
impact her murder had on thecommunity.
He often recalls saying quote Ican't believe they never found
those guys.
End quote.
His efforts have helped keepSharon's case in the public eye
and demonstrate the community'songoing commitment to seeking
justice.
Sadly, nick Polino Jr passedaway in 2014.
(12:46):
However, his legacy lived onthrough his work.
In August 2023, marie Firiello,a dedicated community member,
took it upon herself to direct aspecial performance of
Remembering Sharon at theVillagers Theater.
This staged reading was notonly a tribute to Sharon, but
(13:10):
also a fundraiser to support thereward fund.
Nick had always intended forthe play to serve a greater
purpose.
He didn't want it to make aprofit, but instead he wished
for donations to be made toorganizations close to his heart
, like let's Bring them Home andParents of Murdered Children.
(13:30):
These organizations workedtirelessly to support families
of missing and murderedindividuals, providing crucial
resources and advocacy.
The play was instrumental inraising funds for a reward.
The play was instrumental inraising funds for a reward.
The reward fund, which has nowgrown to $4,000 through the
(13:52):
community donations andfundraising events, is intended
to encourage anyone withinformation leading to the
arrest, indictment andconviction of Sharon's killer or
killers to come forward.
Remembering Sharon is not justa play.
(14:12):
It's an experience thatunderscores the community's
dedication to seeking justicefor Sharon and highlights the
enduring impact of her story.
It's a testament to the powerof community and the unwavering
hope that one day, sharon's casewill be solved.
(14:34):
The following month, sharon'scase had some movement.
In September 2023, sharonThor's remains were exhumed as
part of the ongoinginvestigation into her 1982
murder.
This decision was made toleverage advancements in
forensic technology that werenot available at the time of her
(14:56):
death.
The goal was to potentiallyuncover new evidence that could
help solve the case, includingthe possibility of using DNA
evidence.
The exhumation was carried outby the Somerset County
Prosecutor's Office incollaboration with the Franklin
(15:17):
Township Police Department.
They have been working togetheron this case, but have remained
tight-lipped about thespecifics of the findings to
maintain the integrity of theinvestigation.
The authorities have hinted atusing DNA evidence to solve the
case over the years, but nothinghas materialized yet and, sadly
(15:39):
, this is all that we're leftwith.
There is very littleinformation out there about
Sharon's murder and that'sprobably because of the
authorities keeping you knowtight-lipped, and I can respect
that, because you don't want torisk any damage done to the case
.
(16:00):
The community's unwaveringsupport and efforts to keep
Sharon's case in the public eyedemonstrate the enduring impact
of her story and the collectivehope for justice.
While Sharon's case may be cold, those who loved and knew her
keep her memory alive.
(16:20):
Noel Toredo, sharon's brother,vividly remembers the day his
sister went missing.
He recalls how the family wasimmediately thrust into a world
of uncertainty and grief,immediately thrust into a world
of uncertainty and grief.
Noel often speaks about theimpact of Sharon's murder and
(16:40):
what it had on their family andtheir mother, sonia, who wears a
heart-shaped pendant withSharon's image every day.
Noel said quote I don't know ifshe takes it off, that's all
she's got now are pictures andmemories.
End quote.
His reflections emphasize thelasting pain and the family's
(17:01):
unwavering hope of justice.
Sharon's mother, sonia, hasalways been a pillar of strength
for the family.
Despite the immense grief, shehas remained committed to
seeking justice for her daughter.
Sonia often talks aboutSharon's vibrant personality and
(17:22):
her dreams of opening a danceschool.
She believes that growing upwith four brothers made Sharon a
strong individual who wouldhave been able to fend off one
attacker suggesting that morethan one person was involved in
her murder.
Sadly, sharon's father, frank,passed away without ever having
(17:45):
answers to who was responsiblefor his daughter's death.
Sadly, sharon's father Frank,passed away without ever having
answers to who was responsiblefor his daughter's death.
In another article by SusanRussell, she writes quote In an
(18:06):
interview in 2019, sonia saidshe wants to know who killed her
daughter and wants them to feelthe misery and hell she has
dealt with ever since.
She vowed at the time to findout who killed Sharon before she
dies.
End quote.
(18:27):
Sonia's resilience anddetermination continue to
inspire the community.
Sharon's niece, samantha, wasborn years after Sharon's murder
but has become an advocate forher aunt's case.
She started a petition onchangeorg to raise awareness and
(18:47):
gather support for solving thecase.
I will post a link in the shownotes so that everyone can sign
it.
Samantha's efforts have helpedbring renewed attention to
Sharon's story and demonstratethe family's ongoing commitment
to seeking justice.
Most of the family still livesin the New Jersey area.
(19:10):
The topic of Sharon's murder isstill traumatic for the whole
family, who continue to strugglewith grief.
Sonia has trouble talking aboutSharon's death without getting
visibly upset.
The investigation into Sharon'smurder remains active.
Authorities continue to hopethat new information will come
(19:35):
forward.
Authorities continue to hopethat new information will come
forward.
They encourage anyone withinformation about the case to
(20:06):
contact the Franklin TownshipPolice Department at
732-873-5533, extension 2020.
Again, that's 732-873-5533,extension 2020.
Individuals can call the tipshotline at 732-873-7277 to
remain anonymous and possibly beeligible for a reward.
Again, that number is732-873-7277.
(20:35):
Sharon's disappearance andmurder had a profound impact on
her family and the community.
Despite the passage of time,her family continues to seek
justice and closure for hertragic death.
This is one of FranklinTownship's longest unsolved
cases.
As we reflect on Sharon's lifeand the tragic events that cut
(20:57):
it short, it's important toremember the resilience and
determination of her family andcommunity.
Their commitment to seekingjustice for Sharon serves as a
powerful reminder of thestrength and unity that can
arise in the face of adversity,of the strength and unity that
can arise in the face ofadversity, and that's the case
(21:21):
of Sharon Thor.
If you have any informationabout Sharon Thor's case, please
contact the Franklin TownshipPolice Department.
Let's help bring justice toSharon and her family.
Again, I will link theChangeorg petition that Sharon's
niece, samantha, created inhonor of her aunt in the show
(21:43):
notes.
I will also link a copy to NickPolino Jr's play Remembering
Sharon if you'd like to read theplay for yourself.
It was a beautiful tribute hemade to his friend.
For yourself, it was abeautiful tribute he made to his
friend.
You can find Crime Connoisseurswherever you listen to your
podcasts.
Please follow, subscribe andleave a review.
(22:05):
Be sure to follow us on socialmedia at Crime Connoisseurs for
updates and bonus content, asalways.
Thank you all so much forlistening.
In the meantime, keep it classy, connoisseurs, and I'll catch
you on the next case.
Outro Music.
Hey all my fellow crime connoisseurs, I'm your
host, grace D, and I'm back.
I'm sorry for just up andabandoning you all.
Over the summer, thanks to thelove and support of my fiancé
Don, I decided to not only goback to school to finish my
bachelor's degree, but also topursue my dreams of becoming an
(00:22):
attorney.
So, between getting back intothe groove of school, studying
for the LSAT, working full-time,committing myself to another 29
of 29 event, but this time asan athlete with the Kyle Peace
Foundation, and being a presentsupportive partner, the podcast
quickly fell to the wayside as Ilearned how to navigate
(00:43):
everything and come up with astructured routine to keep on
track.
I'm in a good spot now to beable to get back into this
passion of mine, and I hope thatyou all can understand and
forgive me and continue to beloyal crime connoisseurs.
With that being said, let metell you a bit about today's
case.
We're diving into a case thathas haunted a quiet community of
(01:07):
Franklin Township, New Jersey,for decades.
This case leaves so manyunanswered questions and remains
unsolved to this day.
This is the case of Sharon Thor.
Sharon Thor was born on October28, 1966, to Sonia and Frank
(02:03):
Thor Senior in Elizabeth, newJersey.
She was one of five childrenand the only girl in the family.
During her childhood, thefamily moved a few times, first
to Roselle and then to FranklinTownship, where they eventually
settled.
Sharon was a dedicated dancer,having taken lessons since
(02:24):
preschool.
Her passion for dance had asignificant influence on her
life.
She was dedicated to her balletand tap dancing lessons at the
Neva McCrimmon School of Dancein Boundbrook, new Jersey.
She was strongly committed todance and often practiced and
performed, which likely helpedher develop discipline and time
(02:47):
management skills.
Her love for dance gave her acreative outlet and a sense of
purpose.
Despite the challenges shefaced, such as wearing a brace
for six months to correct herinward turn legs, she remained
committed to her dance practice.
Inward turn legs she remainedcommitted to her dance practice.
(03:08):
This dedication to dance likelycontributed to her resilience
and determination in other areasof her life, including her
schoolwork.
Sharon was described as a sweet,kind girl, well-liked by her
peers and a vibrant anddedicated person.
To those who knew her, she hada deep passion for ballet and
often danced around her familyhome, making her older brothers
(03:30):
watch as she leaped with pointedtoes.
Her mother, sonia, mentionedthat growing up with four
brothers, made Sharon a strongindividual who was always stuck
up for her younger brother.
Sharon was known for herbeautiful blue eyes and wavy
hair.
Despite her young age, she haddreams of opening her own dance
(03:52):
studio.
Her commitment to dance and hercaring nature left a lasting
impression on those around her.
In 1982, franklin Township was aplace where neighbors knew each
other and doors were often leftunlocked.
It was a place where violentcrime was a rarity, especially
(04:13):
against a young girl.
On October 26, 1982, the quiettranquility of Franklin Township
was shattered.
The quiet tranquility ofFranklin Township was shattered
On October 26th.
Sharon was watching TV beforeit was time to leave for her
ballet lesson when, at around5.45 pm, she received a phone
(04:36):
call.
After the call, she hurriedoutside, walked down the street
and climbed into the passengerside of the vehicle.
She told her mother, sonia,that she would be right back.
She did not take her purse withher.
Unfortunately, sharon wouldnever return home.
(04:59):
Sharon was last seen wearing ared and white striped sweater,
blue jeans sneakers and a goldnecklace with a love charm.
When Sharon didn't return homefor her dance lesson, the worry
began to sink in for her parents, sonia and Frank, immediately
(05:21):
reported Sharon missing to theFranklin Township Police
Department when she didn'treturn home in time for her
dance lesson.
Despite their urgency, thepolice initially hesitated to
process a missing person'sreport for at least 24 hours.
In an article by Susan Russellfor Central Jersey Home News
Tribune, sonia Thor said, quotethen Sharon's not coming back
(05:42):
and not coming back.
My husband is coming and Sharonhasn't come back.
We went to the police stationright away, but at that time you
had to wait 24 hours.
So we went to the dancingschool.
We went everywhere that sheknows people, through the whole
neighborhood, through all of thestores on Easton Avenue Like
McDonald's Nothing, nothing,nothing, nothing, nothing.
(06:06):
End quote all of the stores onEaston Avenue like McDonald's
nothing, nothing, nothing,nothing, nothing.
End quote.
Sonia and Frank didn't sleepthat night because they expected
Sharon to come home at any time.
Sonia thought about searchingin the woods and taking the
family's German shepherd withher to look around, and she did
just that Quote.
I didn't want to find anything,but the instinct just pushed me
(06:30):
out.
I wanted to take a walk inthere and I came back with the
dog end quote.
Sonia didn't find anythingduring her search.
The following day the Thorfamily returned to the police
station.
Since Sharon was still missing,and the official search for
(06:50):
Sharon began, the localcommunity quickly rallied to
assist in the search.
Volunteers, friends andneighbors joined law enforcement
in scouring the area aroundSharon's home.
The search focused on thewooded areas and dirt roads near
Sharon's home.
This area was known to befrequented by local teenagers
(07:15):
for various activities.
Three days later, on October 29,1982, the day after what would
have been Sharon's 16th birthdayat around 2.30 pm Sharon Thor's
body was discovered in thewooded area off of a dirt road
(07:36):
at about a quarter mile from herhome.
Her body had been concealed,partially clothed and brutally
beaten.
Partially clothed and brutallybeaten.
Near Sharon's body, a bloodycinder block and two by four
were found and believed to bethe murder weapons.
An autopsy was conducted at thestate medical examiner's office
(07:59):
in Newark, new Jersey.
The autopsy revealed thatSharon had been killed at
approximately 6.30 pm, just anhour after she had left her home
, and that her head and chesthad been crushed.
The autopsy also revealed thata 2x4 and cylinder block that
(08:20):
were found near her body were infact the murder weapons were in
fact the murder weapons.
The state lab conductedextensive tests on the
cinderblock N2x4, searching forany DNA evidence.
They meticulously examined thesurfaces for blood, hair and
other biological materials thatcould link the murder weapons to
(08:44):
the perpetrators that couldlink the murder weapons to the
perpetrators.
This included testing for anytraces of Sharon's DNA, as well
as potential DNA from theattackers.
In addition to DNA,investigators looked for
fingerprints on the cinder blockin 2x4.
Any identifiable prints couldprovide a direct link to the
(09:06):
suspects or individuals who hadbeen in contact with Sharon.
The lab also analyzed traceevidence such as fibers, soil
and other materials that mighthave been transferred to the
murder weapons.
A neighborhood child reportedseeing Sharon getting into the
(09:27):
passenger side of a car near herhome.
Two men believed to be in theirlate teens or early twenties
were in the vehicle and believedto live in Franklin Township.
The person who called Sharonand the individuals in the
vehicle have never beenidentified.
(09:48):
The driver was described as awhite male with dark colored
hair.
The vehicle was described as adirty old car with a loud
muffler and something that waspossibly covering the inside of
the rear window and that it wasbacking up as if it was
unfamiliar with the area.
Investigators attempted totrace vehicles matching this
(10:11):
description, but no definitivematches were found.
Law enforcement received tipsfrom the community, including
reports of unauthorized vehiclesfrequently seen in the wooded
area where Sharon's body wasfound.
These tips weren't investigated, but none led to a breakthrough
(10:31):
.
Unfortunately, sharon's casequickly went cold after the
initial investigation.
Despite extensive efforts bylaw enforcement and the
community, the lack of concreteleads and definitive evidence
made it challenging to solve.
(10:52):
In the wake of Sharon's unsolvedmurder, nick Polino Jr, a
friend of the family, took itupon himself to create a
poignant play titled RememberingSharon.
This play is more than just aperformance.
It was a deeply personalproject for Nick, who was a
friend of Sharon's.
Her tragic death left a lastingimpact on him and the entire
(11:17):
community.
The purpose of RememberingSharon is twofold One to honor
Sharon's memory and two to raiseawareness about her unsolved
murder.
The play serves as a reminderof the importance of safety,
crime prevention and communityvigilance.
(11:37):
Through this powerful medium,nick aimed to bring people
together to remember Sharon andsupport the ongoing quest for
justice.
The community has played asignificant role in keeping
Sharon's memory alive andsupporting the investigation.
Local community members likeFrank Resta, who attended high
(12:00):
school with Sharon, have beeninstrumental in bringing renewed
attention to the case have beeninstrumental in bringing
renewed attention to the case.
Resta started a reward fund toencourage anyone with
information to come forward, andvarious fundraising events have
been held to support this cause.
Resta didn't know Sharonpersonally, but he remembers the
(12:21):
impact her murder had on thecommunity.
He often recalls saying quote Ican't believe they never found
those guys.
End quote.
His efforts have helped keepSharon's case in the public eye
and demonstrate the community'songoing commitment to seeking
justice.
Sadly, nick Polino Jr passedaway in 2014.
(12:46):
However, his legacy lived onthrough his work.
In August 2023, marie Firiello,a dedicated community member,
took it upon herself to direct aspecial performance of
Remembering Sharon at theVillagers Theater.
This staged reading was notonly a tribute to Sharon, but
(13:10):
also a fundraiser to support thereward fund.
Nick had always intended forthe play to serve a greater
purpose.
He didn't want it to make aprofit, but instead he wished
for donations to be made toorganizations close to his heart
, like let's Bring them Home andParents of Murdered Children.
(13:30):
These organizations workedtirelessly to support families
of missing and murderedindividuals, providing crucial
resources and advocacy.
The play was instrumental inraising funds for a reward.
The play was instrumental inraising funds for a reward.
The reward fund, which has nowgrown to $4,000 through the
(13:52):
community donations andfundraising events, is intended
to encourage anyone withinformation leading to the
arrest, indictment andconviction of Sharon's killer or
killers to come forward.
Remembering Sharon is not justa play.
(14:12):
It's an experience thatunderscores the community's
dedication to seeking justicefor Sharon and highlights the
enduring impact of her story.
It's a testament to the powerof community and the unwavering
hope that one day, sharon's casewill be solved.
(14:34):
The following month, sharon'scase had some movement.
In September 2023, sharonThor's remains were exhumed as
part of the ongoinginvestigation into her 1982
murder.
This decision was made toleverage advancements in
forensic technology that werenot available at the time of her
(14:56):
death.
The goal was to potentiallyuncover new evidence that could
help solve the case, includingthe possibility of using DNA
evidence.
The exhumation was carried outby the Somerset County
Prosecutor's Office incollaboration with the Franklin
(15:17):
Township Police Department.
They have been working togetheron this case, but have remained
tight-lipped about thespecifics of the findings to
maintain the integrity of theinvestigation.
The authorities have hinted atusing DNA evidence to solve the
case over the years, but nothinghas materialized yet and, sadly
(15:39):
, this is all that we're leftwith.
There is very littleinformation out there about
Sharon's murder and that'sprobably because of the
authorities keeping you knowtight-lipped, and I can respect
that, because you don't want torisk any damage done to the case
.
(16:00):
The community's unwaveringsupport and efforts to keep
Sharon's case in the public eyedemonstrate the enduring impact
of her story and the collectivehope for justice.
While Sharon's case may be cold, those who loved and knew her
keep her memory alive.
(16:20):
Noel Toredo, sharon's brother,vividly remembers the day his
sister went missing.
He recalls how the family wasimmediately thrust into a world
of uncertainty and grief,immediately thrust into a world
of uncertainty and grief.
Noel often speaks about theimpact of Sharon's murder and
(16:40):
what it had on their family andtheir mother, sonia, who wears a
heart-shaped pendant withSharon's image every day.
Noel said quote I don't know ifshe takes it off, that's all
she's got now are pictures andmemories.
End quote.
His reflections emphasize thelasting pain and the family's
(17:01):
unwavering hope of justice.
Sharon's mother, sonia, hasalways been a pillar of strength
for the family.
Despite the immense grief, shehas remained committed to
seeking justice for her daughter.
Sonia often talks aboutSharon's vibrant personality and
(17:22):
her dreams of opening a danceschool.
She believes that growing upwith four brothers made Sharon a
strong individual who wouldhave been able to fend off one
attacker suggesting that morethan one person was involved in
her murder.
Sadly, sharon's father, frank,passed away without ever having
(17:45):
answers to who was responsiblefor his daughter's death.
Sadly, sharon's father Frank,passed away without ever having
answers to who was responsiblefor his daughter's death.
In another article by SusanRussell, she writes quote In an
(18:06):
interview in 2019, sonia saidshe wants to know who killed her
daughter and wants them to feelthe misery and hell she has
dealt with ever since.
She vowed at the time to findout who killed Sharon before she
dies.
End quote.
(18:27):
Sonia's resilience anddetermination continue to
inspire the community.
Sharon's niece, samantha, wasborn years after Sharon's murder
but has become an advocate forher aunt's case.
She started a petition onchangeorg to raise awareness and
(18:47):
gather support for solving thecase.
I will post a link in the shownotes so that everyone can sign
it.
Samantha's efforts have helpedbring renewed attention to
Sharon's story and demonstratethe family's ongoing commitment
to seeking justice.
Most of the family still livesin the New Jersey area.
(19:10):
The topic of Sharon's murder isstill traumatic for the whole
family, who continue to strugglewith grief.
Sonia has trouble talking aboutSharon's death without getting
visibly upset.
The investigation into Sharon'smurder remains active.
Authorities continue to hopethat new information will come
(19:35):
forward.
Authorities continue to hopethat new information will come
forward.
They encourage anyone withinformation about the case to
(20:06):
contact the Franklin TownshipPolice Department at
732-873-5533, extension 2020.
Again, that's 732-873-5533,extension 2020.
Individuals can call the tipshotline at 732-873-7277 to
remain anonymous and possibly beeligible for a reward.
Again, that number is732-873-7277.
(20:35):
Sharon's disappearance andmurder had a profound impact on
her family and the community.
Despite the passage of time,her family continues to seek
justice and closure for hertragic death.
This is one of FranklinTownship's longest unsolved
cases.
As we reflect on Sharon's lifeand the tragic events that cut
(20:57):
it short, it's important toremember the resilience and
determination of her family andcommunity.
Their commitment to seekingjustice for Sharon serves as a
powerful reminder of thestrength and unity that can
arise in the face of adversity,of the strength and unity that
can arise in the face ofadversity, and that's the case
(21:21):
of Sharon Thor.
If you have any informationabout Sharon Thor's case, please
contact the Franklin TownshipPolice Department.
Let's help bring justice toSharon and her family.
Again, I will link theChangeorg petition that Sharon's
niece, samantha, created inhonor of her aunt in the show
(21:43):
notes.
I will also link a copy to NickPolino Jr's play Remembering
Sharon if you'd like to read theplay for yourself.
It was a beautiful tribute hemade to his friend.
For yourself, it was abeautiful tribute he made to his
friend.
You can find Crime Connoisseurswherever you listen to your
podcasts.
Please follow, subscribe andleave a review.
(22:05):
Be sure to follow us on socialmedia at Crime Connoisseurs for
updates and bonus content, asalways.
Thank you all so much forlistening.
In the meantime, keep it classy, connoisseurs, and I'll catch
you on the next case.
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