In the quiet suburban town of Teaneck, New Jersey, a horrific tragedy unfolded on December 6, 1975, forever marking the community. Allison Diggs, a 16-year-old Black female, was found murdered in her home alongside her mother and three siblings. The gruesome discovery was made by her father, Wesley Diggs, when he returned to the family's Carlton Terrace residence after having been away.
Upon entering the house, Wesley Diggs was met with a scene of unimaginable horror.
His wife, Jean, 39, and their four children, Audrey, 17, Allison, 16, Wesley Jr., 12, and Roger, 5, had all been shot to death. The victims were found in different rooms of the house. Allison was discovered in her bed in the attic, having been shot twice in the back of the head. Her mother, Jean, was in the basement recreation room, while her siblings, Wesley Jr. and Roger, were found in their bedroom. Her older sister, Audrey, was found in Wesley Jr.'s bedroom. The television was reportedly still on in Allison's room.
The subsequent investigation by law enforcement revealed no signs of forced entry, leading detectives to believe the perpetrator was known to the family and was willingly let into the home. A total of 26 spent shell casings were recovered from the scene, and ballistics tests indicated that at least two different. 22-caliber firearms were used in the commission of the crime. Despite a thorough investigation, no arrests have ever been made in the case, and it remains one of New Jersey's most haunting cold cases.
Over the years, several theories have emerged regarding the motive and the identity of the killer or killers. Investigators explored the possibility of a robbery gone wrong, as Wesley Diggs owned several businesses in Harlem and it was speculated that someone may have believed he kept large sums of cash in the house. Another theory considered was that of a murder-suicide perpetrated by Jean Diggs, who was reportedly depressed in the months leading up to the murders. However, the evidence did not fully support this theory. Wesley Diggs himself was considered a suspect and was questioned by police; however, he passed a polygraph test and was officially cleared. Police did express a belief that he may have known more than he disclosed, a claim he denied. The brutal and senseless murder of Allison Diggs and her family has left a lasting scar on the community, and the search for answers and justice continues to this day.
