FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA: Robin W Lawrence, a Virginia woman, was finally served justice after her death 28 years ago.
The 37-year-old was found dead inside her home in the community of Springfield, Virginia, in 1994. Police said that her two-year-old daughter was sleeping in a nearby room when Robin was attacked.
“On November 20, 1994, at approximately 12:30 pm, Lawrence was found stabbed to death inside her home located in the 8600 block of Reseca Lane, in Springfield,” officers said.
What did the initial investigation say?
The statement further read, “During the initial investigation, detectives were proactive in their efforts to interview suspects and witnesses and to recover evidence from the scene. In 1994, a DNA profile was developed; however, at the time there was no match in any system for the recovered DNA.”
In a press conference on Monday, September 11, the authorities said, “In the years that followed, detectives from the Cold Case Unit continued their efforts to meticulously review the evidence to identify a suspect.”
“After many years of dedicated time to this case, a familial DNA match was found with the suspect. Detectives determined Smerk was working in the area at the time of the murder.”
The investigators took help from Parabon NanoLabs which created a digital composite image of Smerk and compared them from 1988 to 1998.
Assistance from DNA phenotyping and genetic genealogy analysis
Parabon NanoLabs is a DNA technology company in Northern Virginia that specializes in DNA phenotyping and genetic genealogy analysis.
It predicts physical appearance and biological relationships from unidentified DNA evidence.
“Our cold case detectives exhibit unparalleled dedication when it comes to closing a case with many unknowns,” said Chief of Police Kevin Davis.
“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,” reports Law & Crime.
The investigators shared, “Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the victim’s family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.”
Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477). Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers,” read the statement.
"Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you," the statement added.
