After more than 30 years, Michael Hand, 69, has been convicted of first-degree murder in the 1986 death of 15-year-ancient Tracy Gilpin. Hand was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Tuesday, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.
A Decades-Old Case Resolved
Tracy Gilpin’s body was discovered on October 22, 1986, in Myles Standish State Forest, three weeks after she was reported missing on October 2nd. The cause of death was determined to be massive skull fractures caused by a 73-pound boulder, according to prosecutors.
Hand, a former Kingston resident, was arrested in North Carolina in 2018, more than three decades after the crime. The arrest followed information from a woman who recalled a gathering at Hand’s home the night Gilpin disappeared. He was last seen alive at approximately 11:30 p.m. On October 1, 1986, leaving a Cumberland Farms about a mile from her home.
Confessions Ruled Inadmissible
The path to conviction was not without legal challenges. The Massachusetts Appeals Court previously ruled that a confession Hand allegedly made to his pastor could not be presented at trial. A Superior Court judge had as well previously determined that statements Hand made to police were “coerced” during a two-day interrogation and were therefore inadmissible. A second judge suppressed similar statements made to his pastor shortly after the police interrogation.
Despite the exclusion of these statements, prosecutors presented enough evidence to convince a jury of Hand’s guilt. According to the DA’s office, Hand admitted to picking up the 73-pound boulder and dropping it on Gilpin, identifying the rock in evidence photos.
Neighbors described Hand as “creepy” and “a little off,” noting he engaged in activities such as carving tombstones and target practice with firearms. His former property was reportedly in a state of disrepair.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Michael Hand arrested?
Michael Hand was arrested in North Carolina in March 2018, more than 30 years after Tracy Gilpin’s death.
What was the cause of Tracy Gilpin’s death?
Tracy Gilpin died from massive skull fractures caused by a 73-pound boulder, according to prosecutors.
Were any of Hand’s statements to authorities excluded from the trial?
Yes, statements Hand made to both police and his pastor were ruled inadmissible due to concerns about coercion and the manner of interrogation.
As Hand begins a life sentence, the Gilpin family’s decades-long pursuit of justice has concluded. What impact will this resolution have on the community and the families involved?
