The Tragic Case of Amish Teenager Anna Fisher — She Deserves Justice

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Authorities quickly realized that Fisher never arrived at the youth group gathering. In the days, weeks, and months that followed, the tight-knit community launched the largest search in its history. With the help of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Middle Creek Search and Rescue team, over 2,338 people participated in the search, contributing more than 15,000 man-hours.

A 10-Month Search Concludes

On April 21 of the following year, the search for Fisher tragically concluded. Her remains were discovered buried on Amtrak property, wrapped in a tarp, in a shallow grave just under four feet deep. This burial site was located in an inaccessible area near Dutchland Inc., where the primary suspect in her kidnapping previously worked.

Given the age of the young woman and the clothing items found with her remains, authorities quickly concluded that they belonged to Fisher. This was confirmed through dental records.

Early on, Police Identify Mark Tully as the Main Suspect

Before her remains were located, investigators identified Mark Tully, a 35-year-old local man, as the chief suspect in Fisher’s disappearance. Tully’s vehicle, a red Kia Rio, was seen near the last known location of Fisher, and witnesses reported spotting a young woman in the passenger seat of his car. Local law enforcement arrested Tully in July 2020, just three weeks after Fisher’s disappearance, charging him with felony kidnapping and misdemeanor false imprisonment. Bail was denied due to the severity of the case.

Investigators amassed substantial evidence against Tully. Witness statements from the day of Fisher’s disappearance, along with surveillance footage showing Tully’s Kia traveling close to the location where she was last seen, were pivotal. The footage also captured a male figure approaching a female in white clothing. Enhanced video analysis confirmed the license plate matched Tully’s vehicle, which had a distinctive sticker.

A search of the area yielded items of clothing belonging to Fisher, including a bra and stockings, both containing DNA evidence linking back to Tully. On December 21, 2020, authorities officially charged him with murder, having concluded that Fisher was deceased.

Autopsy Findings Reveal Cause of Death

Fisher’s body was discovered on the ten-month anniversary of her disappearance. An autopsy conducted by the Coroner’s Office determined that the cause of death was “asphyxia due to strangulation and suffocation, with a knife wound to the neck being a contributing factor.” Investigators believe Tully initially buried Fisher’s body in a different location, closer to where her clothing was found, before relocating it behind his workplace days later.

Prosecutors intend to pursue charges of first- or second-degree murder against Tully, both of which could result in a life sentence without parole. There is speculation regarding whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty, contingent on a first-degree murder conviction. Tully has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Fisher’s family has remained private, but a family member expressed to a local news outlet that there is a sense of relief now that her remains have been recovered. “It feels like a burden has been lifted,” he stated.

We hope this family can find some peace in knowing that their beloved Anna has been returned to them.

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Summary:

The tragic murder of Anna Fisher, an 18-year-old Amish girl, highlights the need for justice in her community. After a lengthy search, her remains were discovered, leading to the arrest of Mark Tully as the primary suspect. The investigation revealed significant evidence linking him to the crime. As the case progresses, the community hopes to find closure and justice for Anna Fisher.