Man Who Fatally Stabbed Young Mom In 1994 Faces Lengthy Prison Term

FAIRFAX, VA — Stephen Smerk, a 52-year-old man from Niskayuna, New York, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of West Springfield resident Robin Lawrence in November 1994.

“Thirty years ago, the random and brutal murder of a young mother rocked Fairfax County,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephen Descano said on Friday. “While the scars of such a horrific crime can never be fully healed, I hope this conviction can provide closure to both the family of Robin Lawrence and our entire community. This conviction is a testament to our commitment to justice — no matter how long it takes to achieve it.”

Smerk, a married father of two high-school aged students, faces a potential sentence of up to 70 years in prison. He’s due back in court on March 7, 2025, for his sentencing, according to Descano.

Lawrence was found stabbed to death around 12:30 p.m., on Nov. 20, 1994, by an acquaintance inside her home in the 8600 block of Reseca Lane in Springfield. The victim's 2-year-old daughter, Nicole, was also found inside the home physically unharmed, according to a 1994 report in The Washington Post.

At the time of the killing, Smerk was a soldier in the U.S. Army stationed at what is now a Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, according to police.

Smerk left the base on the night of Lawrence’s death with the intention of killing someone, although he didn’t know who. He admitted to driving to West Springfield and breaking into Lawrence’s home, which is where he stabbed her 49 times. He later threw the murder weapon into a body of water, according to police.

Related: Cold Case Arrest: Fairfax Police Charge Suspect In 1994 Homicide

In 2023, detectives were able to identify a possible DNA link to Smerk, comparing a composite drawing of the suspect to Smirk's high school and drivers license photos.

Detectives traveled to upstate New York in September 2023 and confronted Smerk as he was putting out the trash at his home in Niskayuna.

"They used that opportunity to walk up to him and engage him in a conversation," FCPD Chief Kevin Davis said, during the Sept. 11, 2023 news conference announcing Smerk’s arrest. "As a result of those efforts, they got additional DNA swabs and a full confession from our suspect."