Kathy Kolodziej

Case Information:

Katherine “Kathy” Kolodziej was a 17-year-old freshman at SUNY Cobleskill. She loved animals, especially horses, and she spent much of her time studying animal husbandry.

On November 1, 1974, she went dancing with friends at a bar called The Vault. She walked out around 1:30 a.m. wearing a bright red coat. That moment became the final confirmed sighting of her.

Last Night Out:

Kathy’s friends offered her a ride back to the dorms, but she turned them down. Instead, she said she planned to get a ride from someone else. When she never returned to her room, her roommate grew worried and contacted authorities. As a result, the search began within hours and spread across campus.

A Sudden Disappearance:

Kathy kept a reliable routine, so her disappearance alarmed both friends and investigators. Police interviewed students and bar patrons who were out on Main Street that night. One witness said they saw a young woman get into a yellow Volkswagen Beetle soon after Kathy left The Vault. Even so, investigators could not confirm whether that woman was Kathy.

Early Search Efforts:

Search teams spent weeks checking fields, roads, and wooded areas around Cobleskill. However, they found no solid clues in early November. As days passed, the trail grew colder, and investigators shifted their focus toward rural Richmondville. Meanwhile, Kathy’s family continued to hope for any sign of progress.

Tragic Evidence Found:

On November 23, 1974, hunters spotted a single blue shoe near McDonald and Cross Hill Road. Later that day, they found the matching shoe and a piece of red cloth in a field. When they looked closer, they realized the cloth came from Kathy’s coat. Shortly afterward, police arrived and discovered Kathy’s body resting on a low rock wall.

Forensic Findings:

Doctors at Albany Medical Center examined Kathy and documented several stab wounds. Investigators said the wounds suggested the attacker used more than one weapon. They collected DNA and fingerprint samples from the scene and stored them for future testing. Today, forensic teams continue to test those samples with newer technology in hopes of finding a match.

Seeking Justice:

Investigators tracked down many owners of yellow Volkswagen Beetles across New York. In addition, names like Donald Sigsbee surfaced in discussions about crimes from that era. Still, police never linked anyone directly to Kathy’s murder. Therefore, the New York State Police continue to treat the case as active and unresolved.

Ongoing Hope:

Nearly fifty years later, Kathy’s story continues to echo through the community. Researchers revisit the timeline of her disappearance and hope to uncover new connections. Meanwhile, local residents hold vigils to honor her memory and push for answers. Even a small detail from a witness could help move the case forward. Her family still believes that modern science may one day reveal the truth.

Contact Info:

If you have any information about the murder of Katherine “Kathy” Kolodziej, please contact the New York State Police Troop G at (518) 630-1700. You may also send a tip to Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

---