It’s been almost 45 years, but that didn’t stop the NYPD from solving a murder case in Queens.
Martin Motta, 74, was arrested on November 3 for the murder of George Seitzen, which occurred in 1976. The victim was 81 years old at the time of his death.
The NYPD reported that, using genealogical technology (such as DNA testing) and clues provided through a phone call, detectives were not only able to investigate and gather the evidence against Motta, they also discovered Seitz’s remains.
Seitz’s dismembered remains were unearthed in 2019 in the back of a home on 115th Street in Richmond Hill, where the alleged killer resided, authorities said. They had been buried under cement for almost half a century.
“This just shows the effort and determination of the Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office, we are relentless in bringing people to justice when they commit crimes and homicides,” Chief of Detectives James Essig said at a news conference. at One Police Plaza on November 4.
The police showed a photo of Seitz, a veteran of World War I, in his youth, in military uniform; as well as a sketch of what he looked like on the day of his death.
Seitz was reported missing when he left his residence at 159-12 88th Ave. in Jamaica on December 10, 1976 to cut his hair, but was never seen again.
According to Daniel Saunders of the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Seitz was known to be carrying large sums of money, leading detectives to believe that the robbery was the motive for the murder.
