BPDNews Features the Unsolved 1980 Homicide of Cheryl Upshaw

The Boston Police Cold Case Unit is actively investigating the 1980 homicide of 29 year old Cheryl Upshaw.  Homicide detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to please come forward.

It was April 15, 1980. Officers responded to a radio call for a person deceased at 35 Northampton Street in Roxbury. It was there, inside her own apartment, that officers located the body of Cheryl Upshaw.

Homicide detectives immediately began investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding Cheryl’s tragic death. Over the course of many years, investigators tracked every lead but were unable to locate the perpetrator responsible for her murder.

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Cheryl had only recently moved to Roxbury and was excited about her new apartment on Northampton Street. She had even hosted a housewarming party only days prior to her death. Family and friends fondly remember Cheryl as vibrant, outgoing, well-liked and pleasant. She loved music, specifically jazz, and was an enthusiast of African art. According to her family, Cheryl was enjoying her new life in Boston.

At the time of her death, Cheryl was working as a computer programmer for New England Telephone. She had not shown up for work for two days, which was uncharacteristic for someone as Cheryl. Upon learning of her work absence, Cheryl’s family and friends grew concerned and headed to Cheryl’s apartment where they made a heart-breaking discovery.

In a statement from Superintendent Bruce Holloway, “Although the years have passed, time has not lessened the grief for Cheryl’s family nor the desire of Boston Police detectives to find the culprit who did this. Investigators are still hopeful that a courageous individual will come forward, even with an anonymous tip. Detectives welcome any and all information and will aggressively track all new leads.”

The Boston Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.

Community members wishing to aid this investigation anonymously can either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME. It’s important to note, the Boston Police Department is only interested in what you know, not who you are.

Community Members interested in learning more about other Unsolved Homicide, please visit BPDNews, go to ‘Homicide Unit’ and click on Case Details.