Rodger Brown, 82, Arrested for 1979 Maryland Murder

Rodger Zodas Brown, 82, was arrested in North Carolina for the 1979 rape and murder of Kathryn Donohue, whose body was discovered in a parking lot in Glenarden, Maryland. The arrest came after advancements in forensic genetic genealogy led investigators to match Brown's DNA to evidence from the crime scene. Despite the passage of nearly 50 years, police emphasized their commitment to solving cold cases, stating there was no known connection between Brown and Donohue. The investigation utilized publicly available genetic databases to identify a relative of the suspect, ultimately leading to Brown's identification and arrest. He is currently awaiting extradition to Prince George’s County, where he faces charges of first-degree murder and rape. Donohue's family expressed gratitude for the renewed efforts that led to the breakthrough in their case.