48 Hours Closing the Cold Case of Robin Lawrence
Oct 27, 2025
Detective Melissa Wallace and Detective John Long, both cold case investigators with the Fairfax County Police, delve into the haunting unsolved murder of artist Robin Lawrence. They discuss the chilling details of the crime scene, including a blood-stained washcloth that held critical DNA. Their innovative use of genealogy leads to a surprising suspect. Listeners are taken through the emotional rollercoaster of the investigation, from heart-wrenching family reactions to courtroom confrontations, ultimately revealing the challenges and triumphs of seeking justice.
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Detective Finds Toddler And Bloody Scene
- Detective John Long climbed through a cut window and found Nicole with a blank, wide-eyed expression at the scene.
- He discovered large blood splatters on the bedroom wall and immediately called police.
Crime Scene Showed Violent Struggle
- Crime scene photos showed Robin had been brutally attacked with defensive wounds and a severe neck injury.
- Investigators found scattered bloody tissues and empty baby bottles suggesting Nicole tried to help her mother.
DNA Alone Didn't Yield A CODIS Match
- DNA from a bloodstained washcloth produced a strong profile but returned no CODIS match.
- That left the case stalled until genealogy techniques later offered a new route.