Mary Margaret "Peggy" Andrews, a 19-year-old student, was tragically murdered on September 20, 1962, near the Ohio State University campus in Columbus, Ohio. Her lifeless body was found in a garage, having suffered three gunshot wounds to the face. The condition of her clothing suggested that she had been sexually assaulted. Andrews had moved to Columbus from a small town after finishing high school to attend Columbus Business University and was well-liked by friends and neighbors.
She lived in a boarding house near the campus, taking night classes while working full-time as an accountant's secretary.
On the day of her death, Andrews left her workplace and was seen by friends before accepting a ride home from a classmate, Ron Negutt. This was unusual, as she typically commuted by bus with her roommates. Negutt dropped her off near her boarding house, but she never made it inside. Later that night, another student discovered her body when approaching the garage near his new apartment. Andrews’ purse was scattered, her coat dirtied, and her belongings, including schoolbooks, were found near her home, indicating an apparent struggle.
Despite early efforts, police were unable to identify the killer. Investigators followed leads related to local sex offenders, and a potential connection was discovered when a .22-caliber pistol was found in the university district in 1963. However, this link ultimately led to no solid results. In 2000, a DNA sample was extracted from Andrews’ clothing, but it did not match any profiles in the local, state, or federal databases, leaving the case unsolved.
Mary Andrews' murder remains one of Columbus's enduring mysteries, with no arrests or conclusive evidence to bring her assailant to justice. The Columbus Police Department continues to appeal for information that could finally bring closure to this nearly 60-year-old case.
