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Mass. Investigators Develop New Lead In Cold Case

Authorities in western Massachusetts say recent forensic tests link evidence found near the body of a 10-year-old girl killed more than 18 years ago to a deceased Springfield man.

Hampden County District Attorney Mark Mastroianni said at a news conference Tuesday that authorities are looking for more information on David Edmund Pouliot, but he isn't a suspect. Pouliot died in 2003.

The remains of Holly Piirainen were found in Brimfield on Oct. 23, 1993, nearly two months after she went missing.

Mastroianni and state police briefed the media in Springfield. Members of Holly's family also attended.

Mastroianni called the match a significant lead.

"We certainly feel that this is a step closer to getting information," he said. "Do I want to say we're solving the murder? I would certainly hope so, but I'm not gonna say that right now."

Holly's grandmother, Maureen Lemieux, says she's cautiously optimistic.

"I hope that something's going to come of this," Lemieux said, "but I can't be 100 percent positive because we don't have a solution yet."

Holly was last seen in August 1993 near her grandparents' summer cottage, as she and her younger brother went to see a litter of puppies down the road. Only her brother returned.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom

This article was originally published on January 03, 2012.

This program aired on January 3, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.

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