A retired school teacher is found murdered in her home In the small town of Masardis, Maine, the morning of March 18, 1977, brought with it a shocking discovery that would leave a lasting mark on the community. Lila Drew, a 78-year-old retired school teacher, was found deceased on the floor of her home located on Route 11. The grim discovery was made by her son, Maxwell Drew, just hours before the town's annual Fireman's Ball, an event Lila had been planning to attend.
Lila was a well-regarded and independent woman, known for her energetic
nature and involvement in local groups, including the Masardis Congregational Church and the Retired Teachers Association. She had raised two children in the town with her late husband and was a grandmother and great-grandmother. Those who knew her described her as a kind lady who kept to herself and never caused trouble for anyone, making the circumstances of her death all the more bewildering to the tight-knit community of about 300 residents.
An investigation into Lila's death determined that she died from inflicted trauma that was believed to have occurred the previous night. Her death was ruled a homicide. Despite an investigation by the Maine State Police, no arrests have ever been made in connection with her murder, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The case grew cold, leaving a lingering sense of fear and uncertainty in Masardis for decades.
The lack of a forced entry into her home led to speculation that Lila may have known her attacker. Over the years, the prevailing theory among some residents was that the person responsible for her death was a local. The homicide of Lila Drew remains an unsolved case, a somber piece of the town's history. The Maine State Police continue to seek any information that might finally bring a resolution to this long-standing mystery and provide answers for Lila's family and the community she called home.
