A man once considered a prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife in South Carolina has now been arrested in connection with a decades-old murder case in New Jersey.
Arrest in Cold Case Killing
Authorities announced that Robert McCaffrey, 54, was arrested in Manteo, North Carolina, in connection with the 1990 killing of Lisa Marie McBride.
According to Sussex County Prosecutor Daniel M. Perez, McCaffrey was taken into custody by a multistate task force and is awaiting extradition to New Jersey. He is expected to face charges including first-degree murder, kidnapping, and burglary.
1990 Disappearance and Discovery of Victim
McBride was reported missing on June 23, 1990, after she failed to answer calls following a night out in New York City. She was last seen entering her home in Vernon Township around 2 a.m.
Investigators found signs of a possible abduction at the residence, including a cut phone line and a damaged window screen. Her body was discovered months later in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
DNA Breakthrough After Decades
The case remained unsolved for more than 30 years until advances in forensic DNA technology led to a breakthrough.
In 2022, McBride’s remains were exhumed and reexamined, ultimately linking McCaffrey to the crime.
Connection to Missing Wife in South Carolina
McCaffrey is also known as the husband of Gayle McCaffrey, who disappeared from their West Ashley home in 2012.
At the time, McCaffrey reported her missing, claiming they had argued the night before. Investigators later determined that a supposed farewell letter attributed to Gayle had been fabricated.
He was charged with obstruction of justice and ultimately sentenced to 10 years in prison, serving time before being released in 2023.
Ongoing Questions in Wife’s Disappearance
Despite extensive searches, Gayle McCaffrey has never been found and is presumed dead. Authorities continue to investigate her disappearance as a homicide.
Her family said they were shocked to learn of McCaffrey’s arrest in the New Jersey case and expressed hope it could lead to new developments in her case.
Family Seeks Justice
Gayle’s sister said the family was surprised by the arrest but hopeful that justice will be served—both for McBride and potentially for Gayle.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Gayle McCaffrey’s disappearance to come forward as the investigation remains active.
