Convicted killer in Florida questioned about 2000 murder of teenager Molly Bish

By Globe Staff

A Florida man who killed his girlfriend was questioned Thursday about the kidnapping and murder of 16-year-old lifeguard Molly Bish in Warren in 2000, a spokesman for Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said today.

Rodney Stanger lived in Massachusetts for several years prior to Bish’s murder and moved to Florida after the teen disappeared from Comins Pond after being dropped off there by her mother, Magi, on June 27, 2000.

Bish’s remains were found in Palmer three years later. No one has been charged for her murder.

State Police detectives assigned to Early’s office questioned Stanger Thursday at the Florida prisons where he is serving a 25-year-sentencing for murdering his girlfriend, Chrystal Morrison, in 2008.

Tim Connolly, Early’s spokesman, confirmed today that troopers spoke with Stanger, but declined to disclose the contents of the conversation. He said Stanger was questioned about the Bish case in 2008. He has not been charged with murdering Bish, Connolly said.

Troopers this week also searched a Florida trailer where Stanger formerly lived with Morrison. Morrison’s sister has urged police to investigate Stanger in connection with the Bish case. The victim’s relative has provided State Police with barrettes, hair bands and a 2000 Massachusetts firearm identification card with Stanger’s photograph on it.

Connolly said the items will undergo forensic examination.