The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Fairfax Field Office announced on April 25 that it has closed a homicide investigation dating back to December 8, 1973, after determining the involvement of Clarence E. Washington in the death of his wife, Shirley L. Washington.
This development brings resolution to a case that remained unsolved for over five decades and highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and state agencies to address violent crimes and support victims’ families.
Shirley Washington was found murdered with eight stab wounds in Conway Robinson State Forest outside Gainesville, Virginia. According to authorities, she had moved out from her residence with Clarence Washington following accusations against him for assaulting a minor. Prior to her death, he reportedly threatened her at her new home in Washington, D.C., and had a history of violence including charges related to stabbing an ex-wife and other acquaintances over several decades. Despite evidence pointing toward Clarence Washington’s involvement, he died in 2013 at age 68 before any prosecution could take place.
Amy Ashworth, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park said: “My Chief Deputy and I have reviewed the information and evidence provided by the Virginia State Police regarding the 1973 unsolved homicide of Shirley Leona Washington. We are convinced, from the evidence before us today, that the murder was committed by her husband, Clarence Edward Washington, Jr.; however, given the length of time that has elapsed, the deterioration of the physical evidence, and the death of key eyewitnesses, we are unable to prosecute the case.” Ashworth also said: “Mr. Washington certainly had a motive to commit the murder. His whereabouts when the murder took place is not accounted for. He refused to cooperate with police investigating the disappearance of his spouse at the time. Finally, he made statements to the victim indicating he was going to cause her some sort of harm… The Virginia State Police should be commended for continuing to work on this investigation for over 50 years.”
Support from analysts within Homeland Security’s Violent Crime Analytical Support Team as well as funding from programs such as Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) contributed significantly toward resolving this cold case.
Attorney General Jay Jones said: “The Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has helped bring closure to this decades-long investigation, proving to be a crucial tool in the fight for justice… My office will continue to provide every resource available to law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth and work to support sexual assault victims always.”
Senior Special Agent C. McClure stated: “It is a relief to be able to provide closure to Shirley Washington’s family after all these years… It is yet another example of Virginia State Police personnel who do not give up on solving cold cases.”
The Attorney General’s office supports civil rights enforcement programs according to its official website. It also provides legal counsel while promoting public safety throughout Virginia according its official website. Miyares currently serves as Virginia’s forty-eighth Attorney General according its official website.
The Attorney General addresses issues like human trafficking through advocacy according its official website, offers consumer protection resources including identity theft assistance according its official website, and represents agencies across all regions within Virginia according its official website.
