BRANTFORD The family of Mary Hammond on Wednesday finally got an answer to a question that has tortured them for almost 40 years.
They now know who may be responsible for her disappearance on Sept. 8, 1983, but the whereabouts of her body remains unknown.
At a news conference, Brantford police identified Stephen Mudko, a deceased former city resident, as the man they believe to be responsible for Hammond’s abduction and death. He was identified by DNA evidence.
“I, myself, have mixed emotions about today’s announcement,” said Larry Hammond, who was Mary’s husband when she disappeared. “While we now know who is responsible for this horrific situation – it does not bring Mary back.
“She is still missing and lives on in us all and deserves to rest in peace.”
Hammond was among several family members who attended the news conference.
“I fear I will never know what happened to Mary,” he said. “Her absence leaves a deep wound.
“Those that knew her lost a little sunshine from their lives when she was taken from us so many years ago.”
Hammond was joined by Mary’s nieces, Brenda Wilson, Christine Derrah, Sharon Derrah and Michelle Tribe, Mary’s brother, Albert Biesenthal, and Lise Theriault, a sister-in-law. Mary’s sister, Judy, and another niece, Sarah, couldn’t wait.
“Not everyone who loved and cherished Mary can be here,” Wilson said.
“Mary’s mother – Melissa Biesenthal – passed away in 1984. Mary’s eldest brother and my father, Douglas Derrah, left us too soon in 1991 and Mary’s brother, David, passed away in 2016,” she said.
“They all went to their grave, each with a broken heart, not knowing what happened to Mary.”
Married in 1983, Mary, like any bride, had big hopes and dreams, said Wilson. Then she disappeared.
“My sisters and I were teenagers in 1983 and we were devastated to lose our beloved aunt,” she said. “Nothing can prepare you for the horror of losing a family member this way.”
Wilson said the past four decades have been a struggle for the entire family.
“It’s a deep wound that never heals, never knowing what happened.”
Wilson said Mary was the baby of the family.
“All her siblings doted on her,” she said. “She was a fun-loving, indulgent aunt we all looked up to; a tomboy who spoiled us with lovingly crafted, homemade gifts.
“Mary could be shy but was friendly with those she knew and was very funny.”
Family members thanked Brantford police.
“We’re grateful they have kept us updated over the decades and have some new answers about what happened to Mary,” Wilson said. “We’ve traveled from North Bay and Ottawa to be here today to ask anyone who may have information to come forward – even the smallest detail could help.
“Our greatest wish is to lay Mary to rest with the dignity and love she deserves.”
Mary Hammond disappeared after leaving her townhouse on Elgin Street to walk to work. She was scheduled to start the early morning shift at the former Buns Master Bakery, at 110 Morton Ave., where she had worked for about a year.
Anyone with information regarding her disappearance is asked to leave a voicemail for investigators at a tip line at 519-756-0113, ext. 2800, or email [email protected].
Anonymous information can be provided by contacting Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/ .
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