Suspect Identified in 1998 Cold Case Murder of Woman at Hospital in D.C. Area
Authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the long-unsolved murder case of Sherry Crandall, a hospital employee whose tragic death occurred in 1998 at Prince George’s Hospital Center, located just outside Washington, D.C. At a press conference held on Monday, law enforcement officials announced that the suspect identified in this cold case is Baari Shabazz, who had passed away in 2019 at the age of 69.
The victim, Crandall, was serving as a patient coordinator at the hospital when she was found deceased by an after-hours maintenance worker on January 13, 1989. Investigators determined that she had been assaulted and ultimately strangled to death. At the crime scene, authorities collected male DNA evidence, but for years, they were unable to match this DNA to any individuals within their databases.
In a pursuit to find justice for Crandall, law enforcement teamed up with Othram, a specialized DNA laboratory located in Texas, to reinvestigate the case using advanced forensic techniques. Over time, this collaborative effort culminated in a breakthrough as investigators successfully matched the DNA profile to Shabazz, who was previously known as Edward Barry Watts.
According to police reports, Shabazz resided less than a mile from the hospital at the time of the crime and had a troubling criminal history that included a conviction in 1972 for attempting to rape a pregnant woman. Despite the identification of the suspect, the lead investigator on the case, Detective Bernie Nelson, acknowledged the emotional complexities surrounding the resolution of this case, particularly given that Shabazz cannot face any legal repercussions for his alleged actions.
Detective Nelson, who retired seven months prior to the announcement, expressed a profound sense of emptiness upon learning the identity of the suspect. He noted the extensive effort that went into solving the case and lamented the fact that justice remains elusive, as the perpetrator is no longer alive.
The resolution of this cold case has reignited discussions about the advances in DNA technology and its role in solving crimes long thought unsolvable. The connection forged with Othram illustrates a growing trend in law enforcement to utilize genetic genealogy, facilitating renewed hope for victims’ families seeking closure after years of unanswered questions. This case serves as a poignant reminder of both the challenges and the potential triumphs in the pursuit of justice.
As authorities continue to leverage modern forensic tools, it is likely that more cold cases will be revisited in the hope of providing answers to families affected by similar tragedies. The tragic story of Sherry Crandall underscores the importance of innovation in forensic science, particularly when it comes to resolving past injustices.
For further information and updates on similar cases, continue following local news outlets and law enforcement announcements.
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