WARREN, Mass. - Friday marked 25 years since 16-year-old Molly Bish disappeared while working her job as a lifeguard at Comins Pond in Warren and the quest for answers continues.

What You Need To Know

  • Just before 10:00 a.m. on June 27, 2000, Molly Ann Bish was dropped off by her mother to begin her eighth day as a lifeguard at Comins Pond in Warren, MA

  • As families arrived for swimming lessons, Molly was not at her post and was nowhere to be found

  • A search last nearly 3 years until on June 9, 2003, Molly's bathing suit and remains were found in a nearby wooded area in Palmer, MA

  • 25 years later, there have been persons of interest named, but no one has been charged with her murder

Now, 25 years later, her family is still searching for answers while they continue to honor her memory.

“She was hilarious," Heather Bish said. "She loved to make people laugh.”

Heather Bish is a teacher; she said Molly probably would’ve become one too and whether she’s in the classroom or elsewhere, she thinks of her sister every day.

“There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of her; her silliness, her good humor, her fun, her love for the world, for people, for taking care of each other, for the planet," Bish said. "She held a lot of love in her 16-year-old heart.”

Molly Bish disappeared from Comins Pond in Warren 25 years ago. Her remains were found three years later a few miles away in the woods of Palmer.

“When she was abducted, the crime scene was not preserved by the local police department," Bish said. "The state police didn't come in until hours later. There were some things that put us behind.”

There have been persons of interest named, but no one has been charged with her murder.

Bish said her heroes now are the people who have been brave enough to come forward with information through the years to keep the case open.

“Even if it seemed insignificant or it was just a little piece of information; they came forward," Bish said. "They overcame their fears or their own bad guy. I mean, I think that's another thing in this journey I've learned is there are a whole lot of bad guys out there, unfortunately. And, you know, people took care of us.”

Worcester DA Joseph Early’s office said in a statement, “The investigation of the Bish case is active and ongoing. The Massachusetts State Police Detectives and prosecutors in the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office remain dedicated to solving this case and bringing justice to Molly Bish and her family.”

In 2021 the DA’s office named Francis Sumner Sr. as a person of interest, but he passed in 2016.

While the case remains unresolved after 25 years, Molly’s family and community will come together in her honor.

“Our focus this year is ‘Because of Molly’, for our remembrance and vigil for Molly and I think there's a lot of gratitude," Bish said. "You know, this is an incredibly difficult journey. I hope that, in Molly's legacy, that we continue to take care of each other and particularly the most vulnerable, populations.”

The Bish family and their friends are hosting a vigil with the community on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Anyone with any information on the abduction and murder of Molly Bish is asked to contact the Massachusetts State Police tip line 508-452-7575