Man charged in 40-year-old murder case goes on trial

Opening statements heard in case of Kingston teen Tracy Gilpin's death

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:50am

Forty years after the death of Kingston teenager Tracy Gilpin, the man charged with killing her has gone on trial for murder. The trial began with opening statements from both the prosecution and defense, laying out their cases for the jury.

Why it matters

This case has remained unsolved for decades, leaving the Gilpin family and the community seeking justice. The trial marks a major development in the long-running investigation and could provide closure for those affected by the young woman's tragic death.

The details

Prosecutors allege that the defendant, whose name has not been released to protect his privacy, was responsible for Gilpin's death back in 1986. The defense argued that there is insufficient evidence to convict their client and that the investigation was flawed. Both sides presented their initial arguments to the jury as the trial got underway.

  • Tracy Gilpin was killed in 1986 in Kingston, New York.
  • The defendant was charged with her murder 40 years later, in 2026.

The players

Tracy Gilpin

A teenage girl who was killed in Kingston, New York in 1986.

The defendant

The man charged with killing Tracy Gilpin, whose name has not been released to protect his privacy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This long-unsolved murder case has finally reached the trial stage, providing an opportunity for justice to be served and closure for the Gilpin family after decades of unanswered questions.