TOWN OF WALLKILL – If Megan McDonald was alive today, she would be 39 years old, but 19 years ago on March 15, 2003, she was killed and left in a field off Bowser Road in the Town of Wallkill.
Her dad, NYPD Det. Second Grade Dennis McDonald had retired in 2000 and died one year before his daughter was murdered.
Now, the New York City Detective’s Endowment Association has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Megan’s killer, bringing the total reward to $20,000 as the FB I has also contributed $10,000. State Police say a new suspect has been identified and they are examining new information.
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Detectives’ association President Paul DiGiacomo said any possible lead is welcomed.
“There is no greater loss to a family than the loss of a child. We know there is information out there that could assist in apprehending this individual. No matter how small the information is, anything can help. Please help us bring justice to Megan McDonald and give her family final disclosure in this horrible incident,” he said.
State Police believe Megan was killed near where her body was discovered. She had died from blunt force trauma.
It was determined that she was murdered in her car, a 1991 Mercury Sable, which was located two days later in the parking lot of the Kensington Manor apartment complex in Wallkill.
Recently, State Police Investigators have indicated that they have identified a suspect in the case. Investigators have said a witness at the Kensington Garden Apartments recalled seeing McDonald’s car at 12:30 a.m. on the night of the murder. The tenant told police that she had looked out of her window because of a loud car stereo in the lot. That’s when, investigators say, the witness saw Megan’s car pulling in, followed by a smaller hatchback vehicle with a very loud sound system. The vehicle is described as a dark-colored hatchback-type car with a very loud stereo system that made the witness look out the window.
Police believe that two individuals exited the second car and one of them got into the backseat of Megan’s car. That individual, they say, is the suspected killer. Investigators are asking for anyone that knows of a person that, in 2003, drove a dark hatchback, possibly a Honda Civic, with an unmistakably loud sound system to contact the State Police.
Information can be provided about Megan’s case by calling the investigators at 845-344-5300. Tips can also be submitted by calling 845-344-5370 or emailing crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.