Four Decades Later and Still No Answers in Binghamton Man’s Mysterious Murder

In November of 1980, a young man from Binghamton vanished. Days later, his body was found in the waters of the Chenango River. Today, four decades later, his killer has never been found.

The Call That Started It All

On the evening of November 9, 1980, Barry Marquart’s father received a phone call that no parent ever wants to get. Barry’s roommate had reached out to say he hadn’t seen or heard from Barry since November 7 and was growing concerned. Alarmed, Barry’s father contacted the New York State Police in Oneonta. From there, the Binghamton Police Department was brought into what would become a decades long mystery.

Barry’s Car and a Missing Rest Area

Police located Barry’s vehicle parked at the rest area off Exit 5 along I-81 North. At the time, there were no immediate signs of struggle or foul play associated with the car. Today, that rest area no longer exists. Years later, the land was absorbed into Otsiningo Park when the park expanded. But back then, the rest area marked the final place Barry’s car was seen. Just a short distance away, his body would be discovered.

A Wallet, A River, and a Painful Discovery

Barry’s wallet was found in Otsiningo Park. Not far from it, only about 500 feet from where his car had been parked, his body was located in the shallow waters of the Chenango River. The autopsy confirmed he had drowned.

But that wasn’t all. Barry also had injuries consistent with blunt force trauma to his face and head. These injuries led police to rule his death a homicide.

A Life Cut Short, A Case Still Open

Barry Marquart’s death rocked his family, friends, and the Binghamton community. He was taken too soon, and with so many unanswered questions. Over the years, investigators have chased down countless leads, but the case remains unsolved.

The pain of losing a loved one is hard enough. But to lose them to violence, and to never know who was responsible, that’s a wound that never fully heals.

You Might Hold the Missing Piece

Time has passed, but the need for answers has not. If you or someone you know has information, no matter how small it may seem, please consider reaching out. Even a single detail could help finally bring peace to Barry’s family and justice to a life lost far too soon.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at 607-561-7496. Barry deserves answers. His family deserves closure. And someone knows the truth.