The family of Ann Rippel has created a Facebook page in the hopes of finding some answers in her unsolved death.
Rippel’s sister, Janet, says Ann’s mom died a few years ago and her father and uncle passed away last summer, still not knowing what happened to Ann 22 years ago.
“I started the page with hopes that maybe someone will feel comfortable coming forward with information, anything at all,” says Janet.
“Some may not think what they know is important, but every little detail can help. Maybe some are more comfortable talking with family.
Rippel, 41, of Batavia was found by a passing motorist face down in only two inches of water in the Little Tonawanda Creek near Brookville and West Bethany roads just before noon on April 23, 1997.
Her body was partially clothed, naked below the waist, with pieces of duct tape on the side of her face and neck area, but she was not bound and she was not assaulted. The official cause of death is drowning. The manner of death is unknown.
She was last seen at her apartment on East Main street near the former Wilson Farms store the night before she died.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has hopes that new technology in DNA sequencing will be able to give them answers in the 22 year old unsolved case. Using DNA sequencing has recently helped solve other unsolved death cases around the country. NYS is one of the few states that are allowing it.
Chief Deputy Brewster is the only investigator left from the original investigation in 1997. He is retiring at the end of this week. Chief Deputy Joe Graff will now be looking into the case as he will be taking over for Brewster.
“I remember Ann as someone who loved her children, friends and family and she had a huge heart. She could light up a room with her personality and smile.”
“I ask all my friends and family to share this page and I ask that if anyone has any info on Ann’s death please message me. And if you have memories of Ann that you would like to share please do.”
“We just want peace,” says Janet.