Husband accused of stabbing his wife in 52-year-old cold case killing

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Authorities say a homicide investigation that began in 1973 has now been brought to a formal close, more than a half-century after a woman was found dead in a Northern Virginia state forest.

Investigators with Virginia State Police confirmed that Shirley L. Washington, 33, of Washington, DC, was the victim in the case that remained unsolved for 52 years. Her body was discovered on Dec. 8, 1973, inside Conway Robinson State Forest near Gainesville, Virginia. She suffered eight stab wounds, authorities said.

The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation now alleges that her husband, Clarence E. Washington, killed her, with the accusations coming after authorities said they completed a new review of the case. Officials said the man, who also lived in Washington, DC, died in 2013 at age 68, ending any possibility of prosecution.

Although no charges can be filed, prosecutors and investigators say the evidence available today is strong enough to determine what happened, bringing long-delayed answers to Shirley Washington's death.

Evidence points to husband, prosecutors say

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth said her office's review of evidence also supported that the victim’s husband committed the killing, though the passage of time prevented any prosecution.

"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,” Ashworth alleged.

Authorities say Clarence Washington had a documented history of violent behavior, including a 1964 stabbing charge involving a former spouse and later assault-related charges in the 1980s. USA TODAY has reached out to Virginia State Police for additional information about the prior charges.

Investigators also noted that Shirley Washington had been living separately from her husband at the time of her death.

Investigator says 52-year-old cold case brings closure

Virginia State Police Senior Special Agent C. McClure said the outcome brings long-awaited answers to the victim’s family.

“It is a relief to be able to provide closure to Shirley Washington’s family after all these years,” McClure said.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @athompsonABJ