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Dutchess Resident Offers Reward In 20-Year-Old Murder Cold Case

DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. -- A Clinton Corners resident is hoping a new reward will help police solve a murder after almost 20 years.

Dutchess resident Robert Allo is hoping a $3,500 reward will help solve the murder of his former co-worker Tom Dorr.

Dutchess resident Robert Allo is hoping a $3,500 reward will help solve the murder of his former co-worker Tom Dorr.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Westchester County Crime Stoppers announced Wednesday at a press conference at the Pleasantville Firehouse on Washington Avenue that they are offering a $3,500 reward for information leading to an arrest. The money was provided by Robert Allo, a Clinton Corners resident who worked with Dorr. A $2,500 reward from New York Crime Stoppers is also being offered.

Dorr was murdered on Jan. 17, 1996 in Graham Hills Park in Mount Pleasant. Dorr was walking from his home to the firehouse, where he was working on standby during the Blizzard of 96. Dorr was found by his fellow fighters bludgeoned to death with slash marks on his face and body.

Allo said having somebody brought to justice for Dorr's murder would provide closure.

"He was somebody that had a heart of gold," Allo said of his former colleague.

Lt. Jeff Hunt of the Westchester County Police said Dorr's wife and stepson are the prime suspects in the murder and they believe people helped clean up the crime scene. Shortly after the murder, Dorr's wife, Jane Sawyer, hired an attorney, which impeded the investigation.

Hunt said Dorr's stepson, Jeffrey Dorr, was a heroin addict and Dorr would not let him borrow his car.

"We are very confident these two are involved," Hunt said. "I would classify this as a murder involving a family member."

Hunt said family members have not been charged with tampering with evidence since police want to build a bigger case. 

Every year on the anniversary of his death, firefighters and co-workers hold a vigil for Dorr, who describe the 6'5 man as a "gentle giant."

Anyone with information on Dorr's murder is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-898-8477.

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