A shocking cold case murder in Westchester County, New York, has resurfaced after authorities charged 32-year-old undocumented immigrant Esdras Marroquin Gomez with the brutal killing of socialite Lois Colley.

The crime, which happened in 2015, remained unsolved for years before investigators gathered enough evidence to link Gomez to the murder.

The Murder of Lois Colley

On November 9, 2015, Lois Colley, a wealthy 83-year-old socialite, was found beaten to death in the laundry room of her 300-acre estate in North Salem, New York.

Authorities described the crime as violent and gruesome, stating that Colley was bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher. The lack of forced entry led investigators to believe that the attacker was familiar with the property.

Lois Colley was well-known in high society circles, and her family had amassed wealth through McDonald’s restaurant franchises. Her husband, Eugene Colley, was a millionaire businessman who had built a fortune through fast-food chains.

Her murder shocked the Westchester County community, as she was widely recognized for her philanthropic work and friendly personality.

Suspect Identified After Years of Investigation

For years, authorities searched for clues about the attacker’s identity. Their investigation eventually led them to Esdras Marroquin Gomez, a former worker on the Colley estate.

Gomez, originally from Guatemala, had worked as a laborer on the Colley property. Investigators believe he had a personal grudge against the family, possibly due to a work-related dispute.

Shortly after the murder, Gomez fled the United States, raising suspicion among detectives. He was eventually tracked down and arrested, leading to his recent arraignment on murder charges.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Following his arrest, Gomez was extradited back to the U.S., where he now faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder. Prosecutors claim they have strong evidence linking him to the crime, but the exact details have not been fully disclosed.

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office has vowed to pursue the maximum penalty, citing the horrific nature of the crime and the fear it caused in the community.

If convicted, Gomez could face life in prison without parole.

Motive Behind the Killing

Authorities believe that Gomez may have killed Colley over a work dispute or personal resentment. However, prosecutors have not yet revealed the exact motive.

What remains clear is that the murder was brutal and intentional, as the attacker used a fire extinguisher as a weapon, causing severe head trauma.

Community Reactions and Safety Concerns

The cold case breakthrough has brought a mix of relief and concern among residents of Westchester County.

Many community members had feared that Colley’s murderer might never be caught. Now that an arrest has been made, some hope justice will finally be served.

One resident, Susan Martinez, said: “It’s shocking to think that someone who worked for the family could commit such a terrible act.”

Others have raised concerns about the risks of employing undocumented workers without proper background checks.

What’s Next in the Case?

As Gomez prepares to stand trial, legal experts expect a high-profile court battle, with prosecutors seeking the harshest sentence possible.

The Colley family, who remained silent for years, is expected to speak in court about the loss of their beloved matriarch.

With strong forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and years of investigative work, authorities are confident that justice will finally be served for Lois Colley.

The brutal murder of Lois Colley serves as a reminder of the persistence of law enforcement in solving cold cases. After years of searching for the killer, authorities have finally made an arrest, bringing hope for justice.

As the case moves forward, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see if the accused will be convicted and held accountable for the violent crime that shocked New York’s elite circles.