Could One Tip Solve Two Northern Virginia Murders After 20 Years?

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Twenty years after two women named Marion were killed about two miles apart in Springfield, Fairfax County police are again asking the public for information that could help detectives solve the cases.

Marion Marshall was last seen Aug. 14, 2006, after shopping at the Bradlick Shopping Center, according to police. Detectives believe she encountered her killer after returning to her home in the 6600 block of Bostwick Drive. She was found dead later that evening.

About three months later, Marion Newman was last seen Nov. 19, 2006, after visiting her mother. She was found dead two days later inside her home in the 7100 block of Reservoir Road. Autopsies determined that both women died from strangulation and blunt-force trauma, police said.

DNA Evidence Links The Killings

DNA evidence collected from the two crime scenes confirmed that the same person was responsible for both killings, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

In 2019, detectives sought help from a Northern Virginia DNA technology company that uses unidentified DNA evidence to predict physical appearance and biological relationships. The analysis indicated that the suspect is of Latino ancestry, particularly Salvadoran ancestry, police said.

The Major Crimes Bureau’s Cold Case Squad continues to investigate the killings and is exploring the use of genetic genealogy to develop leads. Detectives believe someone may have noticed unusual or suspicious activity or may have information about either woman around the time of the killings.

Marshall’s family is offering an $11,000 reward. Her niece and nephew said in the police release, “We live in hope the individual who harmed this gentle woman will be brought to justice.”

Anyone with information may call the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800 and select option 8. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477) or through the P3 Tips app by selecting “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

Related:

• Murders Of Springfield Women Unsolved After 13 Years
• Cold Case: Springfield 'Marion Murders' Go Unsolved