The death of Edna Schubert brought sadness over her North Bay Shore neighborhood. Known as the “neighborhood grandma,” the 88-year-old was beloved by the local children, whom she treated like her own, often helping with homework or watching them ride their bikes. Her tragic death in December 2003 shook the community to its core, and after 20 years, justice has finally been served.

The Discovery and The Community’s Shock

In December 2003, a neighbor noticed that Edna’s front door was ajar, her exterior light was still on, and papers from her home were scattered in the wind. When authorities arrived at her one-story house, they found her beaten to death inside. It was clear something violent had occurred, but no immediate leads surfaced, and the case soon grew cold.

While Edna had no children of her own, she had a special bond with the neighborhood kids, making her death even more heartbreaking for those who knew her. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney described the case as one that “haunted Suffolk County for over two decades,” but with tireless efforts from law enforcement, a breakthrough was just around the corner.

Detective Albergo’s Persistence and Advances in Forensics

The case went cold, but Detective Pasquale Albergo, even in retirement, never gave up. In 2023, he pushed for the case to be revisited using modern forensic technology. Advances in fingerprint analysis and DNA technology allowed investigators to reexamine the evidence in ways that weren’t possible at the time of the original investigation.

During the first investigation, a blurry photograph of a latent print found on a window blind where the killer had entered the home was all detectives death had to go on. But with high-definition photography and more advanced technology, they were able to enhance the image and identify the print as belonging to Raul Ayala, a former neighbor of Edna’s.

The Breakthrough and Ayala’s Arrest

After finding Ayala’s left thumbprint, detectives continued their work, uncovering DNA evidence on Schubert’s clothing that didn’t match hers. It turned out to belong to Ayala, who was 29 years old at the time of the crime. Further investigation led Suffolk County police to Talmo, Georgia, where Ayala had relocated. In August 2024, police obtained a DNA sample from discarded items like lottery tickets and bottles that Ayala had thrown away. The DNA matched that found at the crime scene.

On January 16, 2024, Suffolk County police, in coordination with Georgia law enforcement, arrested Raul Ayala on charges of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and is being held without bail, facing life in prison if convicted.

The Community’s Relief and The End of a Long Wait for Justice

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney praised the relentless work of both active and retired officers who never gave up on solving Edna Schubert’s murder. “This indictment demonstrates that justice has no expiration date,” he said.

Edna’s death left a deep void in the community, as she had been a constant presence in the lives of many. Her kindness and selflessness had made her a cherished figure in the neighborhood. Neighbors often recall how she would spend hours chatting with the kids, offering advice or simply sharing a laugh. Her passing not only affected her close friends but also the entire area, as they had all lost a piece of their family. Despite the tragedy, her legacy lives on in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Now, with the recent arrest, the community is able to take a breath, knowing that justice is being served for Edna.

Edna’s tragic death will forever be a scar on the community, but the arrest of Raul Ayala brings the promise of justice. While it took over 20 years to identify the killer, modern forensic advancements and unwavering dedication from law enforcement proved that sometimes, the truth is worth the wait.