A daughter has broken her decades-long silence after her elderly father was charged with the murder of her mother – a crime that remained unsolved for over 40 years.
A Childhood Shattered by Brutal Murder
Alison Galvani was just five years old when her mother, Nancy Galvani, was brutally killed in 1982. The case, which haunted the San Francisco Bay Area for generations, saw a dramatic breakthrough last month with the arrest of Alison's father, Patrick Galvani.
Now 81 years old, Patrick Galvani stands accused of using his estranged wife as bait before killing her. The mother's body was discovered in August 1982, 'floating inside a sleeping bag' near the San Mateo Bridge in Foster City, California. The location lies between the major cities of San Francisco and San Jose.
Decades of Fear and a Long-Awaited Arrest
For more than four decades, Alison lived with a terrifying suspicion. In a recent interview, she revealed her long-held fear: 'my father used me as bait to lure my mother to her death.' This traumatic belief has shadowed her life since childhood.
The Foster City Police Department confirmed the major development in November, announcing that Galvani had been taken into custody and formally charged with Nancy's murder. This arrest came after the case was reviewed numerous times without resolution.
Alison expressed profound gratitude towards the officials now pursuing justice. She told the Los Angeles Times, 'With an extraordinary combination of compassion and resolve, they are working tirelessly to ensure that light is shone upon even the darkest of cases.'
Historic Charges and Claims of Innocence
The path to this point has been complex. Patrick Galvani was considered a suspect during the initial investigation in the 1980s. However, charges were reportedly dropped due to a lack of usable evidence and witnesses.
His defence at the time stated he had passed a polygraph test and claimed Nancy lived with 'mental illness.' In 2008, Alison confronted her father, accusing him directly: 'you killed my mother.' He is alleged to have replied, 'It wasn't my fault.'
His current attorney, Douglas Horngrad, maintains his client's innocence. Horngrad stated, 'This murder charge was filed against him years ago and the case was dismissed for lack of evidence. As I understand it, the evidence is the same, and we believe the outcome will be the same. Mr. Galvani will be exonerated again.'
Prosecutors, however, contend they now possess sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Patrick Galvani is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court next on January 15.
