Billboards across multiple states ask passers-by for information concerning Tammy Jo Alexander.
The billboards are digital, flashing for ten seconds between paid advertisements. The FBI has a partnership with Lamar Advertising and Clear Channel that allows them the billboard space and time for free.
The billboards include a picture of Tammy Jo Alexander, as well as her name, the month and year she was murdered, and a phone number: 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Livingston County Sheriff Dougherty says he hopes the campaign will help narrow down the many leads they've followed since the identification of Tammy Jo.
"This case obviously doesn't just involve Livingston County and it doesn't just involve Florida. We have multiple jurisdictions in multiple states, and we're excited the FBI is such a great partner in law enforcement in bringing this case to a positive resolution."
Brian Boetig is Special Agent In Charge of the Buffalo Division of the FBI. He says technology could play a role in closing this once-cold case.
"I think as technology advances and as time passes, the solvability of this case increases tremendously."
The billboards began running over the weekend, and generally run for 7-10 days continuously, according to an FBI spokeswoman. After that, they will run when there is space available. The billboards will run in 13 different states along the East Coast, including New York.
Sheriff Dougherty took the opportunity during the announcement to give several updates on the investigation. The sheriff says they've been in constant contact with Tammy Jo Alexander's family, and that the family was upset about reports that they never filed her disappearance. Dougherty says they allege there was a report filed.
"Initially we didn't find anything to a missing person report, and there wasn't anything in the system. So now, that has been part of the investigation is firming up those details and those details will play into this case as well."
When asked if there was progress establishing a timeline and understanding how Tammy Jo ended up in New York State, Dougherty answered, "Yes," but would not elaborate.
"You have to remember this is an active homicide investigation. I know its sometimes unfair that we want your [the media's] help in pushing things out and then you don't get it back with us giving all the information. I can understand your frustration. But our number one priority here is getting this case solved."
Dougherty says Tammy Jo Alexander's memorial service has been postponed to spring, in hopes of better weather.
Tammy Jo Alexander was identified earlier this year. Before that, she was known as "Cali" to residents and local law enforcement. She was killed in 1979, and her body was found in a Caledonia cornfield. Authorities in Livingston County have been investigating her murder ever since.
