A Florida man has been arrested in connection with the death of a woman discovered deceased in her home 30 years ago. Riviera Beach Police Chief Michael Coleman announced the breakthrough during a press conference on Monday, labeling the arrest as a long-awaited act of justice. Willie Rogers, 57, has been indicted for first-degree murder in the killing of 75-year-old Earnestine Mortimore, who was tragically murdered in her home on April 28, 1995. Rogers, who is currently serving time for an unrelated offense, is set to be released on May 15, 2032.
Authorities suspect that Rogers, then 27 years old, was attempting to rob Mortimore at the time of her death. The case had gone cold until 2023, when investigators from the police department’s cold case unit reopened the investigation and utilized advanced forensic technology to identify Rogers as the suspect. DNA evidence played a crucial role in linking Rogers to the crime.
John MacVeigh, a cold case detective involved in the investigation, expressed relief at finally bringing closure to the case after so many years. He highlighted the challenges posed by the high cost of DNA testing and acknowledged the crucial role played by city funding and grants in facilitating the investigation.
MacVeigh shared that Mortimore, a beloved figure in her neighborhood, was known for her kindness and generosity towards others. The tragic circumstances of her death have deeply impacted the community, with neighbors echoing his sentiments about her character and the senselessness of the crime.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the hope is that justice will be served for Mortimore and her family, providing a measure of closure after decades of uncertainty surrounding her untimely passing.
When they found out that her killer had been caught, they were filled with joy,” he shared. “When I first called and informed them about it, they were shocked that the case was even being looked into,” MacVeigh recalled. Shatonda Stewart, the granddaughter of Mortimore, mentioned to the Palm Beach Post how her grandmother had played a significant role in raising her. Mortimore would often wake her up in the mornings to help her get ready for school. The family expressed relief that her grandmother’s case had finally been solved. “I never imagined that the case would be resolved, even though deep down we knew what had happened and why,” Stewart reflected. “‘The early bird gets the worm.’ That’s what she used to always tell us,” Stewart reminisced to the Palm Beach Post. City Manager Jonathan E. Evans delivered a speech, assuring that the police would continue to seek justice regardless of the time that had passed. He acknowledged the suffering the victim’s family had endured, apologizing on behalf of the city and emphasizing that they had missed out on birthdays, anniversaries, and more. “I can only imagine that when you received that call from us, it showed you that somebody still cared,” Evans empathized. “We will be there in that courtroom with you, ensuring that justice is served.” He expressed gratitude towards the officers and attorneys involved in the case. “Thank you for your dedication to act as the sheepdogs,” Evans commended. “To be out there, assisting us in tracking down the wolves because if we don’t, they will continue to harm and instill fear in our community without discrimination.” Evans also issued a warning to criminals. “We may not apprehend you today, but rest assured, 30 years from now, it may not be me, but another city manager will declare that we are coming for you.” This article has been updated to include new details and to rectify a misspelling. Saleen Martin is a journalist on USA TODAY’s NOW team, hailing from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. You can contact her via email at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
