Breakthrough in 29-Year-Old Murder Case: Suspect Identified and Charged
After nearly three decades of unanswered questions, the Fairfax County Police Department has made a major breakthrough in a murder case dating back to 1994. They’ve identified the suspect believed to have killed 37-year-old Robin Lawrence and have brought charges against him.
Suspect Identified and Charged
The suspect in question is Stephen Smerk, a 51-year-old resident of Niskayuna, New York. Smerk has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the tragic incident that took place in 1994. Shockingly, he has confessed to committing the murder. Currently, Smerk awaits extradition to Fairfax County, Virginia, where the case will be further investigated.
A Cold Case Uncovered
The victim, Robin Lawrence, was fatally stabbed in her Springfield home on November 20, 1994. Although investigators had developed a DNA profile at the time, they were unable to match it to a suspect. The case remained unsolved for decades, leaving the victim’s family and the community with lingering questions.
A Determined Investigation
The Fairfax County Police Department remained determined to solve this cold case. After years of relentless effort, detectives finally made a breakthrough. They discovered a familial DNA match to Smerk and established that he had been working in the vicinity at the time of the murder.
Key Evidence Emerges
Crucially, authorities found photographs of the suspect dating back to 1988 and 1998. These images matched a digital composite image created by Parabon NanoLabs, a DNA technology company. With this compelling evidence, police were able to apprehend Smerk in New York, where he later confessed to the murder.
Support for the Victim’s Family
The Fairfax County Police Department is dedicated to providing support to the victim’s family during this difficult time. Victim specialists from the Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the family receives the necessary resources and assistance.
Seeking Additional Information
While significant progress has been made in this case, the police are still encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward. You can reach out to the police department’s major crimes bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. There may be cash rewards available for tipsters who provide valuable information.
A Commitment to Justice
Chief of Police Kevin Davis emphasized the dedication of the cold case detectives, stating, “This case is but one example of how our department’s police work goes above and beyond, and it exemplifies our commitment to delivering justice regardless of the timeline.” The breakthrough in this long-standing case serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to bring closure to families and communities affected by such tragedies.