The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Fairfax Field Office announced on April 25 that it has closed a homicide investigation dating back more than five decades. Shirley L. Washington, who was found dead in Conway Robinson State Forest near Gainesville in December 1973, was determined to have been killed by her husband, Clarence E. Washington of Washington, D.C., according to investigators. Clarence Washington died in 2013 at age 68 and would have faced prosecution if he were still alive, the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office said.
This development marks the resolution of one of Virginia’s oldest cold cases and highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to bring closure to families affected by unsolved crimes. The case also demonstrates the role that advances in forensic analysis and interagency cooperation can play in solving longstanding investigations.
Amy Ashworth, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, said: “My Chief Deputy and I have reviewed the information and evidence provided by the Virginia State Police regarding the 1973 unsolved homicide of Shirley Leona Washington. We are convinced, from the evidence before us today, that the murder was committed by her husband, Clarence Edward Washington, Jr.; however, given the length of time that has elapsed, the deterioration of the physical evidence, and the death of key eyewitnesses, we are unable to prosecute the case.”
According to Ashworth: “Mr. Washington certainly had a motive to commit the murder. His whereabouts when the murder took place is not accounted for. He refused to cooperate with police investigating the disappearance of his spouse at the time. Finally, he made statements to the victim indicating he was going to cause her some sort of harm.” She added: “The Virginia State Police should be commended for continuing to work on this investigation for over 50 years. It shows their dedication not only to the job but to pursuit of justice for everyone.”
Support for this investigation came from analysts with Homeland Security Division’s Violent Crime Analytical Support Team as well as funding through Virginia’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) provided by resources from the Attorney General of Virginia. The office supports civil rights enforcement programs and victim assistance services across all regions within Virginia.
Attorney General Jay Jones said: “The Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has helped bring closure to this decades-long investigation, proving to be a crucial tool in fight for justice… My office will continue providing every resource available…and work support sexual assault victims always.” The Attorney General’s responsibilities include legal counsel provision for state agencies while promoting public safety initiatives such as addressing human trafficking or domestic violence through legal advocacy according to its official website.
Senior Special Agent C. McClure with Virginia State Police said: “It is a relief to be able provide closure Shirley Washington’s family after all these years…yet another example personnel who do not give up on solving cold cases.” In addition offering consumer protection resources related identity theft or fraud reporting according its official website, Miyares currently serves as both leader—holding position as state’s forty-eighth attorney general—and advocate serving entire Commonwealth.
