Reward Offered in Manassas Trooper's Unsolved Murder

Nearly 30 years after Virginia State Trooper Johnny Rush Bowman was fatally stabbed at his Manassas home, local law enforcement is offering a $50,000 award for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.

The Manassas City Police announced the reward Wednesday, saying advancements in forensic testing have identified new information regarding DNA found at the scene. The suspect left behind eyeglasses, a wig and a construction hard hat, according to information provided by Virginia State Police.

Forensic evidence was originally submitted to the FBI Laboratory for testing in 1984. Additional tests were conducted in the late 1990s and again in 2010.

“While this brutal attack occurred more than 25 years ago, we believe that someone can still provide a piece of the puzzle that will help solve this case,” said James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “It is important for the public to know that no piece of information is too small to share. With the assistance of advanced forensic science, we are able to actively pursue new leads to identify whoever is responsible for this murder.”

As a result, local law enforcement agencies are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Virginia State Police tip line at 703-803-2637.

Bowman was stabbed multiple times by an unknown assailant after he answered the front door of his Bristoe Station home, located in the City of Manassas, in the early morning hours of Aug. 19, 1984. Bowman’s wife was home during the attack and called 911, but her husband's attacker(s) fled on foot, police said. Bowman died later at a local hospital, leaving behind his wife and a 2-year-old daughter.

“Solving this homicide has been a priority for the Virginia State Police since it occurred that fateful morning of Aug. 19, 1984,” said Capt. David A. Russillo, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Fairfax Field Office. “Over the past 28 years, this case has taken investigators to as far away as California, Ohio and other states in their pursuit of the necessary evidence to bring the murderer or murderers to justice.”

“I am confident that we are moving in the right direction with this investigation,” said Manassas City Police Chief Doug Keen. “It’s important for the public to understand that even after 28 years, we are committed to solving this murder and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

Investigators from Virginia State Police, Manassas City Police Department and the FBI have been involved in this case since 1984 and continue to diligently follow every lead. In 2005, Virginia State Police conducted a media campaign asking for the public’s assistance in recalling any details that could help to solve this case. The FBI has provided law enforcement assistance to Virginia State Police and Manassas City Police Department to include the processing of evidence at the FBI laboratory.

Want Manassas news and information in your inbox? Learn more about free newsletters here.