Police in Maryland recently announced the arrest of a man in connection with a 1979 cold case murder of a woman, using genetic genealogy to identify him. The victim, 31-year-old secretary Kathryn Donohue, was found dead in a parking lot in Glenarden, Maryland. She had been brutally beaten, raped, and killed. Despite decades passing with no suspects identified, DNA evidence left at the scene eventually led investigators to a relative of the suspect in 2024. Further investigation pointed to Rodger Zodas Brown, then a resident of Prince George’s County, as the suspect. Brown, now 82 years old and living in Pinehurst, North Carolina, was arrested at his home. He showed no reaction upon arrest. There appears to be no known connection between Donohue and Brown. Brown has been charged with first-degree murder, rape, and related offenses. The victim’s family expressed gratitude to the investigators for their relentless pursuit of justice, bringing them a sense of closure after so many years. The case highlights the importance of never giving up on seeking the truth, regardless of time passed. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the police department.
