A Cold Case Closed: The 1957 Murder of Dorothy Thomas Finally Resolved

A Tragic Morning at Nu Way Cleaners

On the morning of September 6, 1957, the routine hum of Tallahassee's Nu Way Cleaners was shattered by a heinous act of violence. Dorothy Thomas, a 27-year-old employee, was found brutally stabbed to death in the establishment located at 633 West Tennessee Street. The discovery of her lifeless body in a washroom by a deliveryman sent shockwaves through the community, marking the beginning of a decades-long quest for justice.

The Immediate Aftermath and Initial Suspicions

Investigations revealed that Thomas was alone at the cleaners between 9 and 10 a.m. when the murder occurred. Evidence suggested that a customer had been present shortly before the attack. Authorities identified a primary suspect, Harry Barth, a regular patron of the cleaners. Despite circumstantial evidence pointing towards Barth, the lack of concrete proof prevented any formal charges, leaving the case unresolved and the community in a state of unease.

The Formation of the Big Bend Cold Case Task Force

In 2023, a renewed commitment to solving long-standing mysteries led to the establishment of the Big Bend Cold Case Task Force. This collaborative effort between the Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff's Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the State Attorney's Office aimed to re-examine unsolved cases with fresh eyes and advanced forensic techniques. The murder of Dorothy Thomas was among the cases prioritized for review.

Breakthroughs in the Investigation

Upon revisiting the case, detectives uncovered new information that had previously been overlooked. Advances in forensic science and a thorough re-evaluation of existing evidence allowed the task force to establish probable cause implicating Harry Barth in the murder of Dorothy Thomas. It was discovered that Barth had passed away of natural causes in 2019, which, while precluding prosecution, provided a sense of closure regarding his involvement....Read More

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