Rosemary Peterson

Status:

Open

Jurisdiction:

Rockford Police Department (IL)

Offense Location:

Rockford, Illinois

Summary:

On the night of December 4, 1979, Rosemary Peterson was the victim of a gruesome attack at her home at 3013 Edelweiss Rd in Rockford, Illinois. She was found tied to a bedpost with a necktie and had been stabbed multiple times. She also suffered a major blow to the head. One of her hands was nearly cut off. Several kitchen knives and a machete were found at the scene. Rosemary passed away the next day at the age of 23.

Vital Statistics

Circumstances of Offense:

Two girls living in the duplex on the 300 block of Edelweiss overheard people fighting inside the adjoining apartment. Growing concerned, they decided to knock on the door and called out. A man shouted back "Me and Rose just had a fight" followed by a scream for help from Rosemary. Upon entering the house, they found Rosemary tied to a bedpost with a necktie. She was stabbed several times, and one of her hands was nearly cut off. Several kitchen knives and a machete were found at the crime scene. Police were called and Rose was rushed to the hospital where she passed away the next day. Rose's fiancee who was living with her at the time was at work at a local factory during the attack and has never been named a suspect. There was no sign of forced entry. A pair of bloody gloves were found in the yard of another duplex nearby. The case remains unsolved.

Case Last Updated:

Oct 17, 2024