Remembering Susan Reeve: A Community's Enduring Pain

Fifty years have passed, but the wound remains fresh for many in Demarest. On a quiet October day, a small group gathered to honor Susan Reeve, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short. Her story is one that has left a lasting mark on the community, a stark reminder of a crime that shook the borough to its core. The memorial service, held at the Demarest Gazebo, was a somber affair. Attendees, including some of Susan's high school classmates, shared memories and reflected on the profound impact her death had on their lives and the community. The event was more than just a remembrance; it was a moment to confront the past and acknowledge the lasting effects of such a heinous act. A procession followed, led by an antique fire truck, making its way to the spot where Susan is believed to have been taken. There, a white cross and flowers were placed in her memory, a simple yet powerful gesture that spoke volumes about the community's enduring grief. Owen T. Clarke, the organizer of the event and a former captain of the Demarest Ambulance Squad, recalled the chaos and fear that gripped the town in the aftermath of Susan's disappearance. The once-peaceful suburb was transformed overnight, with helicopters buzzing overhead and FBI agents questioning residents door-to-door. The crime not only shattered the community's sense of safety but also left a deep emotional scar. Clarke spoke of how the people of Demarest "lost their spirit, " a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who remember the event. The town's collective trauma was further compounded by the discovery of another victim, Susan Heynes, whose body was found just a day before Reeve's. Both women's lives were cruelly taken by Robert Reldan, who was eventually convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Despite the passage of time, the pain and anger linger. Reldan's multiple requests for parole have been denied, a testament to the enduring belief that he should never walk free again. The judge's words during Reldan's sentencing in 1979 still ring true today: the crimes were "depraved acts of murder" that robbed two young women of their lives in the most horrific manner. Clarke's efforts to organize the memorial service were driven by a desire to keep Susan's memory alive and to remind the community of the importance of vigilance and protection. He shared personal anecdotes about ensuring his own daughter's safety, a concern that has become a part of the community's collective consciousness. The event was a poignant reminder of the need to protect the young and vulnerable, a lesson that was learned the hard way. The memorial service was the culmination of nine months of planning, with Clarke reaching out to former residents through a Demarest Facebook group. The response was overwhelming, with about 80 people expressing their appreciation for the remembrance, even if they couldn't attend. The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds within the community and the shared pain that continues to unite them.