35 Years Later, Mattituck Couple's Drowning Death Remains Mystery

MATTITUCK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Thirty-five years ago Thursday, a married couple on Long Island vanished and their bodies were found submerged in a cold inlet.

So why is law enforcement now offering a reward in the case?

As CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported, the case – ruled a drowning – never sat right with many on Long Island's East End.

In the sleepy hamlet of Mattituck, the mystery of the death of William and Michelle Becker has never been put to bed.

"Very outgoing; very bubbly," said Bonnie Adams, who worked for Michelle Becker. "She was president of the chamber."

Michelle Becker, 36, owned the local beauty salon. Husband Bill, 43, was a 43-year-old environmental conservation police officer -- the respected couple raised three children on Long Island's East End.

"The kids lost their mom and dad at the same time and they want closure -- and I don't blame them," Adams said. "We all would like closure."

In March 1981, they disappeared. Later, they were found dead in the inlet, and local police immediately ruled it a double accidental drowning -- even before they found her body.

"Oh, we thought there was more to it, but everybody does," one woman said.

"It went away mighty quick; left a lot of unanswered questions," said Anthony Divello, a classmate of the victims' children.

Hours after a neighborhood dinner party, the Beckers allegedly drowned at a nearby marina. One theory is that they came for romance, but slipped and fell in.

That never made sense to Michelle Becker's brother.

"It was a cold winter night," said Michael Malkusch. "My brother-in-law was a cautious person, and he also had a fear of water. He had a fear of boats. It would have been out of character for him to do that."

Boats were docked at the inlet 35 years ago -- one of them owned by the man who hosted the dinner party. Bill Becker's tie was found on the boat, and a table in the cabin appeared ripped from its hinges -- suggesting a struggle.

Department of Environmental Conservation police said the case warrants a fresh look. They are offering a $15,000 reward for new leads.

"Looking at it over the years, we do have questions, and you know, some of those questions are, you know, the scene at the time – it looks like there possibly could have been a struggle," said DEC police Major Scott Florence.

"Someone that's finding religion or sick or has a conscience – that somebody's going to have to talk," said Malkusch.

Family members haunted with questions hope the reward brings answers.

Suffolk County police homicide detectives said they would be open to receiving any new information anyone provides.