For over three decades, the families of two Virginia women have lived with the agonizing uncertainty of not knowing who brutally took their loved ones away from them. But now, a glimmer of hope has emerged for one family, thanks to remarkable advancements in science that one grieving mother described as “incredible.”
The ordeal began on November 14, 1986, when Jacqueline Lard, 40, was last seen closing her realty office in Stafford County. Tragically, she never made it home. The following morning, the grim discovery of a crime scene at the realty office revealed a horrific struggle, and Jacqueline’s body was found the day after, concealed under discarded carpet in a wooded area in Woodbridge, nearly 30 miles southwest of Washington DC.
Just a few years later, in 1989, another family faced a similar nightmare. Amy Baker, 18, disappeared while driving home to Stafford County from a visit to family in Falls Church. Her unoccupied vehicle was found on the side of the road on March 29, 1989, and her family discovered her lifeless body two days later in a wooded area near an interstate exit ramp in Springfield.
Despite the collection of forensic evidence in both cases, the investigations eventually grew cold, leaving the families without closure for years.
However, recent years have seen significant progress in DNA analysis techniques and forensic investigative genetic genealogy. These advancements have breathed new life into cold cases across the country, including the high-profile capture of the Golden State Killer in 2018.
In 2021, a breakthrough finally emerged for the Virginia cases. Fairfax County Police Department’s Cold Case detectives submitted evidence from Amy Baker’s case to DNA Labs International, resulting in the development of a DNA profile. Concurrently, a detective in Stafford County utilized forensic investigative genetic genealogy to aid in identifying Jacqueline Lard’s killer.
The breakthrough came when the DNA profile from Baker’s case revealed a connection to Lard’s ongoing homicide investigation in Stafford County. Detectives from both counties united their efforts, determined to bring the perpetrator to justice.
In December, forensic investigative genetic genealogy provided a family name for the suspect, leading to the issuance of a search warrant for DNA from Stafford County resident Elroy Harrison, 65. Two months later, Harrison’s DNA was confirmed as a match to the evidence submitted.
Following these developments, a grand jury in Stafford County indicted Elroy Harrison for the first-degree murder of Jacqueline Lard, along with charges of abduction with intent to defile, aggravated malicious wounding, and breaking and entering with intent to commit murder. He was promptly arrested and incarcerated without bond.
While no charges have been filed in Amy Baker’s case yet, forensic evidence has linked Harrison to her murder as well. Fairfax County Police Department is collaborating with the Fairfax County Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney to pursue charges against Harrison for Baker’s homicide.
Sue Baker, Amy’s mother, expressed her disbelief at the developments, praising the advancements in forensic science. She emphasized the importance of ensuring justice for Jacqueline Lard while expressing optimism about progress in her daughter’s case.
The developments bring a mix of relief and anticipation for the families involved, as they navigate the long-awaited pursuit of justice for their loved ones.
