The parents of Cheri Lindsey were on hand as demolition crews started to remove the house where the 12-year-old Binghamton girl was killed in 1984.

David and Jean Lindsey waited 13,275 days to see the two-story woodframe structure at 6½ Sturges Street torn down.

Cheri Lindsey stopped at the house while collecting payments from customers along her Evening Press newspaper route on March 26, 1984. She was never seen again.

Binghamton Police found the girl's body in the basement of the house more than 24 hours later. James Wales Sr. was convicted of rape and murder in the case. He is serving a prison sentence of 33 years to life.

The property was acquired by Broome County government several months ago. Finally, on Thursday morning, the Lindseys were joined by relatives, friends and people who lived in the neighborhood as workers from Gorick Construction began the removal process.

The start of the demolition was greeted by cheers and tears. David Lindsey expressed appreciation to those who made the project possible.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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