A gruesome discovery in a remote Oregon field has shattered a decades-long silence surrounding the chilling disappearance of Teresa Peroni. A human skull, long overlooked, has become the linchpin in unearthing the truth behind her fate—a mystery that has haunted her family and friends for 42 grueling years.
Authorities in California acted decisively, arresting Mark Sanfratello, who is now 72, and charging him with the murder of Peroni, who vanished back in 1983. The couple’s tumultuous relationship took a deadly turn following a party in Selma, where tensions escalated. After accusing Peroni of infidelity, Sanfratello led her into the woods, never to return with her alive.
Peroni, just 27 at the time, was last seen walking into the forest with her then-29-year-old boyfriend. This shocking revelation underscores the dark reality of domestic conflict that can turn fatal in an instant. Her family, desperate for answers, reported her missing, prompting a criminal investigation, but initial assessments revealed insufficient evidence to pursue a case.
A turning point came in 1997 when a landowner stumbled upon a skull near the site of Peroni’s last known whereabouts. Though a search using cadaver dogs yielded no additional remains, the discovery reignited hope. Investigators promptly sent the skull to a specialized DNA forensics lab, signaling a commitment to justice that would culminate decades later.
Fast forward to last year, investigators reopened the cold case, meticulously reviewing every aspect and tracking down potential witnesses from the past. New DNA testing confirmed the identity of the skull as Peroni’s, solidifying the evidence against Sanfratello.
By June 27, 2025, a Grand Jury in Josephine County issued an indictment for murder against Sanfratello. Police apprehended him without incident in Chico, California, and he now awaits extradition to Oregon to face charges.
This case is a powerful reminder of the harsh realities many face and the relentless pursuit of justice that should never waver, no matter how much time has passed. The rule of law demands accountability. Sanfratello must now answer for the anguish inflicted on Teresa Peroni’s family all those years ago. The truth has emerged—it’s time for closure.
