Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli says he will impanel a grand jury next month to discuss many crimes including 31 cold cases.
Topping the list and expected to be the first discussion, is the stabbing murder of Holly Branagan of Bethlehem, Pa.
Branagan was stabbed to death over 30 years ago on March 28, 1979 in her Pine Top Trail home.
“We have at least 12 witnesses expected to testify, maybe more, but at least 12,” Morganelli said.
Cold Case Unit detective Robert Egan has updated the Branagan file to a point where addresses have been updated and new possible witnesses have been located.
Morganelli expects to begin hearing the case on January 11. It has been 10 years since a grand jury was convened in Northampton County. It will be the first time Branagan's case go before such a panel.
The D.A. says extensive media coverage by NBC Philadelphia has served as the catalyst to reopen the unsolved murder of the Freedom High School senior.
The witness list is not public record nor are the proceedings. The 23 members and seven alternate grand jury members will be sworn to secrecy.
As of yet, no suspects have been named and numerous forensic tests have come up inconclusive.
