1987 Cold Case Murder of Marilyn Decker Solved by New DNA Testing

Cold Case Solved After Decades

• 💡 Marilyn Decker, a 28-year-old woman, was found murdered in a Davie Canal on October 22nd, 1987.
• 🎯 The case remained unsolved for nearly 40 years until new DNA testing provided a breakthrough.

Breakthrough with DNA Evidence

• 🔬 Strands of hair found on the victim's shirt and a towel at the crime scene were crucial to the investigation.
• 🔑 This DNA evidence led police to Donald Lawless, who was not previously a suspect.
• ⚠️ Lawless died in 1995, but the investigation into his involvement is now proceeding.

Suspect's Criminal History and Potential Connections

• 📊 Donald Lawless had a criminal record dating back to the 1940s and was in his 60s at the time of the murder.
• 🔗 Davie police are investigating potential ties between Lawless and similar unsolved cases in areas like Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, where women were found murdered in a comparable manner.
• 🗺️ Investigators are also looking into other cities where Lawless lived, including Chicago, to uncover further connections.

Family's Long Wait for Justice

• 💔 Marilyn Decker's parents passed away before her case was solved, highlighting the long and painful wait for her family.
• 😠 Her sister expressed anger that the perpetrator, with a history of violence, was left unpunished for so long.