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New Reward Offered In Pleasantville Murder Cold Case

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. -- It's been almost 20 years since Pleasantville firefighter Tom Dorr was murdered and police are hoping a new reward will help crack the case.

Officials announced at a press conference in Pleasantville on Wednesday that a $3,500 reward has been announced for information in the murder of Tom Dorr.

Officials announced at a press conference in Pleasantville on Wednesday that a $3,500 reward has been announced for information in the murder of Tom Dorr.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Westchester County Crime Stoppers announced Wednesday at a press conference at the Pleasantville Firehouse on Washington Avenue that they are offering a $3,500 reward for information leading to an arrest. A $2,500 reward from New York Crime Stoppers is also being offered.

Dorr was murdered on Jan. 17, 1996 in Graham Hills Park in Mount Pleasant. Dorr was walking from his home on Pollywiggle Lane to the firehouse on Washington Avenue, where he was working on standby during the Blizzard of 96. Dorr was found by his fellow fighters bludgeoned to death with slash marks on his face and body.

Lt. Jeff Hunt of the Westchester County Police said Dorr's wife and stepson are the prime suspects in the murder and they believe people helped clean up the crime scene. Shortly after the murder, Dorr's wife, Jane Sawyer, hired an attorney, which impeded the investigation.

Hunt said Dorr's stepson, Jeffrey Dorr, was a heroin addict and Dorr would not let him borrow his car.

"We are very confident these two are involved," Hunt said. "I would classify this as a murder involving a family member."

Hunt said family members have not been charged with tampering with evidence since police want to build a bigger case. 

Robert Allo, Dorr's co-worker at the White Plains Water Bureau, set up a fund to raise money for a reward. Allo said having somebody brought to justice for Dorr's murder would provide closure.

"He was somebody that had a heart of gold," Allo, a Clinton Corners resident, said of his former colleague.

Every year on the anniversary of his death, firefighters and co-workers hold a vigil for Dorr, who describe the 6'5 man as a "gentle giant."

Anyone with information on Dorr's murder is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-898-8477.

Hunt said the Pleasantville murder of Linda Falkoff, who was found stabbed in her Grandview Avenue home last October, remains an open investigation involving multiple suspects, including one who moved out of the area. 

"We consider it to be a burglary that turned into a homicide," Hunt said. 

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