Searching for answers in an unsolved death | Inquirer Chester County

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Seven years after their sister’s mysterious death, a family continues to search for answers. Also this week, a developer gets a favorable ruling in his quest to build luxury homes on Rock Hill Farm, Amtrak service between Philadelphia and Reading — with a stop in Phoenixville — is one step closer to reality, plus, what to know about Westtown supervisors axing its historical commission members.

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Seven years later, a family is still searching for answers in the mysterious death of their sister

It’s been seven years, almost to the day, since Susan Morrissey was found dead in the Brandywine Creek several miles from her car. Raised around West Chester and Wilmington, her death has stumped not only investigators, but her family.

Years later, her sister Missy Morrissey, who lives in West Chester, wonders if she’ll ever know what happened early on the morning of July 23, 2019.

She and her siblings are still clinging to hope that one day they will. “I just want us to have some answers,” she said.

Ahead of the anniversary of Morrissey’s death, The Inquirer’s Jesse Bunch looks back at the case and what we do and don’t know.

📍 Countywide News

• Measles cases continue to climb in Chester County, with two more diagnosed last week, bringing the total up to six since an outbreak in the region began in April.
• Three men who allegedly attempted to rob a man by impersonating police, pulling him over for a traffic stop in Tredyffrin Township and then shooting him, will face trial in Chester County. The Inquirer’s Vinny Vella has the details.
• The county is getting $1.95 million from the state to support a new EMS station in East Vincent Township. Goshen Fire Company has also been awarded over $800,000 to expand and update its fire department.
• In case you missed it, Chester County prosecutors have charged David Vincent Rosa, 54, with rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, and hundreds of counts tied to creating and disseminating child pornography.
• Expect delays and detours for a number of roadwork projects throughout the county this week, including on Route 23.

💡 Community News

• A Chester County judge has reversed a Willistown Township board of supervisors decision, giving developer J. Brian O’Neill the green light to submit final plans to build luxury homes on Rock Hill Farm. The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz has the details.
• In case you missed it, Westtown Township’s board of supervisors voted to remove all members of the township’s historical commission, citing a “long history of problems” working with them.
• The Malvern home of Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was burglarized Saturday morning. Here’s what we know.
• After a 45-year absence, Amtrak service between Philadelphia and Reading is one step closer to being revived thanks to an agreement struck last week between Amtrak and the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. The proposed new service would include a stop in Phoenixville, but still has a long way to go before becoming reality.
• An East Coventry Township police officer was “legally justified under Pennsylvania law” in shooting a man who allegedly stole his police car and attempted to hit the officer with it last month. The Inquirer’s Robert Moran has the latest.
• Uwchlan Township is hosting several meetings over the coming week about the potential development of the so-called Lionville Station Farm owned by the Downingtown Area School District. The discussion will focus on a potential zoning amendment that could make way for nearly 500 homes. Meetings will take place tomorrow and Monday at 6 p.m., with a possible one next Wednesday.
• The Environmental Protection Agency has released final cleanup plans for the former National Vulcanized Fiber site in Kennett Square, which is open to public comment through Aug. 18. The site contains so-called forever chemicals and was being eyed for potential housing development.
• A 60-year-old West Chester woman, Debra Dora, has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting at another person on the 200 block of Chestnut Street in Downingtown, causing a non-life-threatening injury.
• After four years in the role, Jennifer Carlson is stepping down as Colonial Theatre’s executive director on Friday. Artistic director Drew Boardman will step in as interim executive director at the Phoenixville mainstay.

🏫 Schools Briefing

• Avon Grove School District has three new principals: Kim Hall at Penn London Elementary School; Kelly Vaughn at Avon Grove Intermediate School; and Mark DeEmilio at Avon Grove Middle School. In addition, Amanda Cahill has been named assistant principal at the high school.
• Beaver Creek Elementary School in the Downingtown Area School District has named Kelly Harrison its new principal.
• Kennett Consolidated School District’s board approved Elisha Ozer as the next principal of Kennett High School last week.
• Octorara Area School District is partnering with the Parkesburg Police Department, which will provide the district with uniformed school resource officers for the upcoming academic year.

🍽️ On our Plate

• Popular Bryn Mawr spot The Bakery House is expanding to a second location, this one at 35 W. Lancaster Ave. in Paoli. It will take over the former Sushi Nami space and is targeting a fall opening.
• Lily & Grace’s Cafe, which opened earlier this summer at 2705 E. Lincoln Highway in Coatesville, is hosting a grand opening Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
• The Cracker Barrel at 1215 E. Lancaster Ave. in Downingtown has closed its doors.
• A change in management is coming to Brickette Lounge, Jitters, Slow Hand, and Square Bar. 3 West Hospitality Group announced this week it will no longer manage any of the West Chester spots.

🎳 Things to Do

🎠 Cochranville Fire Company Carnival: Now in its 81st year, the carnival includes rides and raffles. ⏰ Through Saturday, July 25, 6-10 p.m. 💵 $36.16 for a one-day wristband, $82.73 for a weeklong wristband 📍 Cochranville Fire Company

🍿 West Bradford Movie Night: Catch a screening of Zootopia 2 outdoors. ⏰ Thursday, July 23, 8:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Broad Run Park, Downingtown

🎭 Shakespeare in the Park: See one of the bard’s best-known tragedies, Hamlet, performed live outdoors. ⏰ Friday, July 24, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Valley Creek Park, Malvern

🌻 Brandywine Valley Water Garden Weekend Tour: Get a peek at local water gardens throughout the region during this two-day, self-guided event benefiting the Chester County Food Bank. There’s also a barbecue dinner. ⏰ Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 $59.11 📍 Throughout the Brandywine Valley

🎡 Goshen Country Fair: There will be amusement rides, food, and music during this six-day event. ⏰ Monday, July 27-Saturday, Aug. 1, 6 p.m. on weekdays, 5 p.m. on Saturday 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Behind Goshen Fire Company, West Chester

🏡 On the Market

A four-bedroom Phoenixville home with ample privacy

Situated on a leafy lot that backs up to woods, this East Pikeland Township home has a number of large windows to showcase its surroundings. The four-bedroom house has an airy family room, complete with a fireplace, that opens onto an eat-in kitchen with quartz countertops and a river rock backsplash. Both spaces lead to a deck out back.

See more photos of the home here.

Price: $850,000 | Size: 3,789 SF | Acreage: 0.98

🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:

• Sea Isle’s upscaling feels like a betrayal to many blue-collar regulars. For others, the town is growing up.
• A meteorite that crashed into a New Jersey home contained ‘alien world chemistry,’ a new study says
• What’s changed at the President’s House with the Trump administration’s new exhibit

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