48 Hours Post Mortem | Closing the Cold Case of Robin Lawrence
Oct 28, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Anne-Marie Green, a dedicated correspondent and reporter, dives into the chilling cold case of Robin Lawrence, who was tragically murdered in 1994. Green shares the emotional journey of reopening the case using groundbreaking DNA technology and the pivotal role of a volunteer genealogist, Liz, who dedicated countless hours to uncovering the truth. The story unfolds as they identify Stephen Smirk, leading to his surprising confession and the family’s bittersweet sense of closure after nearly three decades.
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Friend Discovers Crime Scene
- Lori Lindberg found blood on the wall and Robin's two-year-old daughter, Nicole, wandering alone two days after the murder.
- Nicole showed a vacant expression, indicating she witnessed something traumatic.
Small Evidence Can Unlock Cold Cases
- Investigators found no fingerprints but a tiny blood sample on a washcloth became crucial evidence.
- That single DNA sample later enabled breakthroughs decades after the crime.
Volunteer Genealogist's Marathon Effort
- Liz, a retired attorney and volunteer genetic genealogist, worked pro bono about 1,400 hours on the case over three years.
- She persisted through COVID lockdowns and repeated dead-ends until she found leads.