Virginia Man Arrested in Connection to Cold Case Murders Through DNA Evidence

A Virginia man has been arrested in connection with two cold case murders using DNA evidence, authorities announced.

The First Murder: Jacqueline Lard

The first murder dates back to 1986, when Jacqueline Lard from Stafford County went missing on November 15. Her body was tragically found by two juveniles the next day beneath a discarded carpet in a wooded area near her office.

The Second Murder: Amy Baker

In March 1989, Stafford County woman Amy Baker disappeared while visiting family in Falls Church, Virginia. Her body was discovered by her family in a wooded area near an exit ramp on I-95.

Forensic Evidence and DNA Connection

Forensic evidence from both murders was used to identify the alleged killer of Baker and Lard. Detectives submitted evidence from Baker's death to DNA Labs International in 2021, resulting in a DNA profile that was uploaded to Virginia's state database. This connection allowed investigators to link the two killings.

Investigation and Arrest of the Suspect

The investigation into a possible suspect, 65-year-old Elroy Harrison, began in February 2024. On March 4, Harrison was indicted by a Stafford County grand jury on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, abduction with the intent to defile and aggravated malicious wounding of Lard. Harrison has not yet been charged in relation to Baker's murder, and the investigation is ongoing.