Prince George's County PD Solves 1998 Unsolved Murder of Sherry Crandell Using Genetic Genealogy

Cold Case Breakthrough

• 📌 The Prince George's County Police Department announced a major update in the 1998 unsolved murder of Sherry Crandell, bringing long-awaited answers to her family after 27 years.
• 🎯 The case was reopened and investigated using new techniques, including investigative genealogy, to identify the perpetrator.
• 💡 This case highlights the advancements in investigative technology and the department's unwavering commitment to victims and their families.

The Investigation and Technology

• 🔬 The Prince George's County Police Department, with assistance from the FBI and expert genealogists, identified the suspect responsible for the crime.
• 🧬 Investigative genetic genealogy was crucial, combining crime scene DNA with genealogical research to identify the killer.
• ⏳ The process was described as thorough, detailed, and time-consuming, with the FBI's investigative genealogy team working the case for four years.

The Victim and Suspect

• 💔 Sherry Crandell was murdered on January 13th, 1998, while working at Prince George's Hospital Center, a place meant for healing.
• 👤 The identified perpetrator is Bari Abdul Akbar Shabbaz, formerly known as Edward Barry Watts, who died of natural causes in 2019.
• ⚠️ Shabbaz had a violent criminal history dating back to the late 1960s, including priors for attempted rape and violent assaults, and was known for thefts.

Closure and Bittersweet News

• 😔 While the perpetrator has been identified, he is deceased, meaning there will be no formal charges or trial, a bittersweet outcome for the family and investigators.
• 🤝 The family expressed gratitude for the dedication of law enforcement and the FBI's investigative genealogy team, acknowledging that thoughts and prayers alone did not close the case.
• 😥 Detective Bernard Nelson, who worked the case from its inception, expressed mixed emotions, happy for closure but upset it took so long and that the perpetrator could not be brought to justice.

Community Impact and Future

• 🚨 The murder of Sherry Crandell shocked the community and caused fear among hospital workers, highlighting the need for safety even in secure locations.
• 🌟 The case serves as a reminder that law enforcement continues to work on unresolved cases, even when people believe they are not being looked into.
• 💖 The Prince George's County Executive emphasized the importance of community support and standing together to uplift those who have suffered loss and advocate for justice.