In March 1995, what began as an ordinary morning at Sullivan’s Auto Salvage in River, Massachusetts, took a dark turn that would finally solve a mystery haunting Boston for four years. Workers were sorting through crushed vehicles when they spotted something chilling inside a flattened blue Buick: human bones tangled in strips of fabric. That discovery would not only bring long-awaited answers but also reveal a disturbing story of obsession, deception, and tragedy.

The Grim Discovery

The find was made by salvage worker Michael Patricia, who noticed a flash of white within the twisted metal. He called over the crane operator, and together they peered through a gap in the wreckage. The sight of bones and what looked like a uniform left no doubt—this was human. Police were contacted immediately, and within minutes, Massachusetts State Police and Boston detectives were on the scene.

As investigators inspected the crushed blue Buick Regal, they discovered something extraordinary: a state police badge still attached to decomposed fabric. The number 2847 was clearly visible. A quick check confirmed it belonged to Trooper Sandra Lynn Donnelly, a 26-year-old officer who had mysteriously vanished in October 1991.

The Missing Trooper

Sandra Donnelly was known for her dedication to the job. Assigned to the Framingham barracks, she lived alone and had been scheduled to work the overnight shift on October 15, 1991. When she didn’t report, concern quickly mounted. Her car was found at her apartment complex, but she was nowhere to be seen. Her service weapon and uniform were missing, and investigators found no signs of struggle in her home. With no leads and no motive, the case quickly went cold.

A Breakthrough After Four Years

The crushed Buick changed everything. Investigators traced the car’s license plate back to a man named Richard Kesler, who had reported the vehicle stolen from Boston General Hospital’s parking garage the day after Sandra disappeared. At first, Kesler appeared to be a suspect, but his alibi held up. He had no connection to Sandra. That dead end led investigators to look deeper into Boston General Hospital itself.

They soon discovered Sandra had been there just a few months earlier, investigating a hit-and-run. Security logs showed she had drawn attention from certain hospital staff. In fact, someone had even accessed her personal details through police reports.

The most damning clue came from phone records: Sandra had received a call from a hospital pay phone the night she disappeared. That call was traced to Dr. Kenneth Hullbrook, an orthopedic surgeon.

The Obsession

Hullbrook was a respected doctor on the surface—no criminal record, a career in good standing. But behind the scenes, he was recently divorced and struggling emotionally. Colleagues revealed he had shown inappropriate interest in Sandra after meeting her during the hit-and-run case. Evidence from his home and office painted an unsettling picture: newspaper clippings about her, notes on her personal life, and keys to the stolen Buick.

Faced with overwhelming evidence, Hullbrook confessed. He admitted he had lured Sandra to the hospital with a false tip about her case. When she resisted his unwanted advances, a struggle ensued. Sandra hit her head and lost consciousness. Panicked, Hullbrook placed her in Kesler’s stolen Buick and abandoned the car, which eventually made its way to the salvage yard.

The Manhunt and Justice

Shockingly, Hullbrook managed to escape custody during questioning by using a hidden surgical blade. His brief time on the run included stealing a car and leading police on a chase through multiple states. He was eventually cornered at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, where he surrendered after tense negotiations.

At trial, jurors heard not only about Sandra but also about Hullbrook’s disturbing behavior toward other women at the hospital. The evidence was undeniable, and he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.

A Legacy of Reform and Remembrance

Sandra’s death left a lasting mark on her family, her colleagues, and the broader community. Her memory is honored through a scholarship fund at Boston University, a memorial garden, and an award recognizing outstanding female state troopers. The case also led to critical reforms: police changed their procedures for handling civilian contacts, hospitals tightened their security protocols, and salvage yards adopted stricter inspection practices.

Detectives Robert Castellano and Jennifer Walsh, who helped break the case, were commended for their persistence. The case became a model for law enforcement agencies nationwide, proving the importance of never giving up on cold cases.

Remembering Trooper Donnelly

Sandra Lynn Donnelly’s story is more than just a tragic headline—it is a reminder of the risks taken by those who wear the badge. Her commitment, courage, and sacrifice continue to inspire, even decades later. Though her life ended far too soon, her legacy endures in the lives she touched and the changes sparked by her case.