UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, DNA evidence has linked former soldier Stephan Smerk to the brutal 1994 murder of Virginia artist Robin Lawrence. Authorities from the Fairfax County Police Department confirmed this breakthrough, reigniting public interest in a case that has haunted the victim’s family for nearly three decades.
Smerk, now a computer programmer residing in New York, allegedly confessed to killing 37-year-old Lawrence after entering her home on November 20, 1994. Detectives revealed that he claimed to have been under the influence of alcohol and ephedrine at the time, stating, “I knew that I was going to kill somebody.” This chilling admission followed a series of investigative efforts that included advanced DNA analysis and genealogical research.
The case began to unfold when cold case detectives Melissa Wallace and Jon Long reopened the investigation in April 2021, highlighting the horrific nature of Lawrence’s death. “It looked brutal,” Detective Long noted, emphasizing the violence of the attack that left Lawrence with numerous stab wounds and signs of a struggle.
The initial discovery of Lawrence’s body was made by her friend, Laurie Lindberg, who found bloodied scenes and her young daughter, Nicole, wandering nearby. “I think she was trying to stop the blood,” Lindberg recounted, referring to the heart-wrenching evidence left behind by the child at a time of unimaginable distress.
For years, the investigation yielded few leads, with the police focusing on Lawrence’s husband, who was confirmed to be away on business at the time of the murder. The case went cold, and the family resigned themselves to the possibility that they might never find justice.
In a twist of fate, the cold case took a new direction when Parabon NanoLabs was brought in, using DNA technology to identify potential relatives of the suspect. Volunteer genealogist Liz, who worked pro bono, managed to trace Smerk’s ancestry, leading to a significant breakthrough by identifying him as a person of interest.
In a dramatic turn, Smerk approached police on September 7, 2023, stating he wanted to turn himself in. “It’s only a matter of time,” he told a 911 operator, confirming a long-awaited development for Lawrence’s grieving family.
Following his confession, Smerk was charged with first-degree murder, with a preliminary hearing held on April 4, 2024. Prosecutor Steve Descano provided insights into the evidence against Smerk, emphasizing the danger he poses to society. During the hearing, the family witnessed a chilling playback of Smerk’s confession, detailing the horrific events of that night.
On March 7, 2025, Smerk received a sentence of 70 years in prison, with the possibility of parole. The family expressed mixed emotions, feeling relief but also disappointment at not attaining a full trial. “We wanted him to be put on trial,” said Mary Warr Cowans, Lawrence’s sister, echoing the sentiment of wanting justice for the brutal crime.
As Robin Lawrence’s family grapples with this emotional closure, they hold on to her legacy through her art. “Her spirit lives on through her art,” Cowans remarked, reflecting on how Lawrence’s creativity and vibrancy continue to impact those who loved her.
With Smerk eligible for parole in 2037, the haunting question remains: How could a man who shattered so many lives go on to live a seemingly normal life for decades?
This developing story underscores the importance of relentless pursuit in cold cases and the evolving techniques in forensic science that can bring justice, even years later. Family members and authorities continue to call for heightened awareness in unsolved cases, hoping that the advancements in technology can bring closure to other victims and their families.
