The Murder of Ada Bean (Massachusetts)

In a one month span during the winter of 1969, the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts was set on edge after two violent attacks on women while they slept in their beds challenged the very sense of safety residents thought they had in their own homes. 

Nearly 50 years later, one of those cases was finally solved, but the second, very similar homicide is still waiting for answers. The case file for the homicide of Ada Bean shows that the investigation uncovered numerous leads and tons of evidence at the time, but none of it led to an arrest. After more than five decades, this story is long overdue for an ending.

• Anyone with information relating to the unsolved homicide of Ada Bean can contact the Massachusetts State Police detective assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Unit at (781) 897-6600.
• I also invite you to contact the District Attorney’s Office and ask about the status of Ada Bean’s case. Copy and paste the message below into the contact form here.
• District Attorney Marian Ryan, I am writing to request an update on the investigation into the 1969 homicide of Ada Bean in Cambridge. Specifically, I’d like to ask about any ongoing or forthcoming DNA testing, Y-STR analysis, or genetic genealogy efforts concerning evidence recovered at the scene and other recent investigative efforts. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated, and I eagerly anticipate your response. Thank you.
   

View source material and photos for this episode at: darkdowneast.com/adabean

Dark Downeast is an audiochuck and Kylie Media production hosted by Kylie Low.

• Follow @darkdowneast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
• To suggest a case visit darkdowneast.com/submit-case