A 34-year-old Allegany County cold case may soon be
unthawed. Social media has been on fire in Allegany County and beyond the last several
days regarding the August 24, 1985 disappearance of then 75-year-old Flossie
Wilbur, last seen at her home at 96 West Main Street in Angelica. It developed
into the theme, with bumper stickers, “where’s Flossie.” The answer may be just
hours or days away.
Wellsville Regional News learned last week that there was a break in the case. Social media also heard the whispers. State Police and other law enforcement agencies were tight-lipped on any news. When the Amity-based Bureau of Criminal Investigation was asked, the Investigator responded, “Mike, I can’t discuss the case with you.” In the news business, that’s called ‘a tell.’ The Investigator never question ‘who is Flossie and what are you talking about.’
Wellsville Regional News learned last week that there was a break in the case. Social media also heard the whispers. State Police and other law enforcement agencies were tight-lipped on any news. When the Amity-based Bureau of Criminal Investigation was asked, the Investigator responded, “Mike, I can’t discuss the case with you.” In the news business, that’s called ‘a tell.’ The Investigator never question ‘who is Flossie and what are you talking about.’
For days now, there has been a heavy law enforcement
presence near Almond. Citizens snapped photo’s and drones flew nearby, all
looking for clues. Law enforcement, though, was ahead of the curve.
This morning, a confidential source, with direct knowledge
of the case confirmed, there was an interview in a Western New York nursing
facility when the alleged suspect gave a confession. The source provided
extensive evidence of the conversation, but insisted precise details of the conversation
had to be off the record. The alleged suspect is in ill health and needed to
speak. Police investigators listened closely, asked questions, and found the
information credible.
Wellsville Regional News (WRN) also has confirmed with multiple
sources that the Allegany County District Attorney’s Office was aware of the
developments. The DA response and plan of action was also described by the
source as off the record.
WRN also partnered with longtime area investigative reporter
John Anderson, who lived in the general area. He also conducted extensive
interviews with area residents and concurred with the information received by
WRN…these sources are credible.
Scott Cicirello now works for the Allegany County District
Attorney’s Office…he wasn’t able to comment on the current developments today,
but in 2016 told the then-Wellsville Daily Reporter “This case will remain
active until it is solved.”
The home where Flossie once lived has since been torn down.
Other sources tell WRN there are no apparent relatives to Wilbur, and in recent
years the Allegany County Treasurer’s office surrendered Wilbur’s assets to the
New York State Comptroller’s Office. They are apparently listed on the
unclaimed fund portion of the Comptroller’s website.
Despite law enforcement remaining mum on the topic, WRN has
conducted extensive interviews on this breaking story. If the remain are found,
a forensic analysis will be required, which will take weeks, at least. If the
remains are found and they are confirmed to be Flossie Wilbur, you can expect a
significant press briefing. This is a developing story. I’ll do my best to
provide accurate information.
