Maryland
Dead man identified as suspect in 1988 Maryland cold case homicide
A man who died in 2010 was identified as a suspect in a 1988 cold case homicide in Frederick, Maryland, according to the city police department.
The suspect, identified as Calvin Ziegler, was interviewed during the initial investigation. However, due to early DNA testing, he was not determined to be a suspect at the time.
According to police, 23-year-old Delores Marie “Mooda” Thompson was found dead in her apartment in the 100 block of South Market Street on Feb. 1, 1988. There were no signs of forced entry, according to police.
It wasn’t until this year that her family received answers due to a development in the case.
“Thanks to recent advancements in department forensic equipment, our crime scene unit was able to revisit the evidence with fresh eyes,” Frederick Police Chief Jason Lando said.
Police said they examined the initial investigation and found that Thompson’s manner of death was strangulation. They also determined that the case included evidence of sexual assault.
According to police, Ziegler knew Thompson and frequently visited her apartment before her death. But a suspect sample could not be developed from the evidence that was available at the time.
Multiple other suspects were also interviewed during the initial investigation, police said.
This year, detectives went over the evidence again using updated forensic techniques and equipment. They identified a small piece of bedding that had not been previously tested.
By testing the evidence with updated techniques, investigators were able to produce a DNA profile and compare it to national records. It returned a match to Ziegler, who died in 2010, according to police.
Despite criminal charges not being possible, the Frederick County State’s Attorney issued a formal letter confirming that the evidence supports the identification of Ziegler as the person responsible for Thompson’s death and the case was listed as closed.
“To the family of Dolores Thompson, we know this announcement does not take away your pain, but we hope it offers the peace of finally knowing the truth,” Chief Lando said.
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MARYLAND (WBFF) — It’s that time of year again — spotted lanternflies have made a comeback across Maryland and most of the eastern U.S.
Spotted lanternflies typically hatch in late April and early May, meaning juveniles of the species are popping up around the state. The Maryland Department of Agriculture predicted in March that Baltimore City and central Maryland counties will be heavily infested with the pests.
The invasive insect has been present in nearly all of Maryland since 2018 and was previously thought to have caused ecosystem harm. But recent studies on the insect’s assimilation into its environment have shown that the lanternfly has caused no large-scale damage.
“This is mainly just a nuisance pest,” Emily Zobel, University of Maryland Extension’s agriculture and food systems agent for Dorchester County, said. “[The spotted lanternfly] is big, it’s kind flashy, it’s a little intimidating, but studies have shown that in residential gardens and landscapes, it doesn’t do any significant damage to otherwise healthy plants.”
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A South Carolina man is dead after he shot his ex-girlfriend in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, on Tuesday, the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) said.
The man was identified as 30-year-old Dante Morris of Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Police said officers were called to the 10400 block of Birdie Lane around 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday for the domestic-related shooting. A woman was found outside with gunshot wounds. She remains in the hospital in critical condition.
READ | Stolen car chase across Montgomery County and DC leads to 4 juveniles arrested
PGPD obtained an arrest warrant for Morris, but learned that he had driven back to South Carolina after the shooting. He was found dead on Tuesday evening.
Police confirmed Morris and the woman had been a prior relationship.
SEE ALSO | Prince George’s County steps up enforcement, penalties against illegal dumping
Anyone with information that could help police in their investigation should call 301-516-2512.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788.
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