Suspect Arrested 3 Decades After Sexually Assaulting And Killing Elderly Woman
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Cold case solved. Police make an arrest in the sexual assault and murder of a woman more than three decades ago.
Tracey Leong explains how police tracked down the suspect.
Detectives never gave up hope on finding the person responsible for the brutal murder that took place in 1981. It's the news neighbors and friends had been waiting for.
Thirty-three years ago, 75-year-old Anna Smith was found dead in her home, gagged with her hands tied, lying in her bed naked from the waist down.
"Shocked. We was shocked. She didn't bother anybody," said neighbor Verna Govia.
Smith lived on the 2500-block of West Fairmont Avenue. Many of her neighbors remember the day she was murdered.
"You know, now we can rest easier a little bit because it's been awhile," said Govia.
With advances in technology, the Baltimore Police Department was able to match DNA found in sperm on a blanket under the victim that led them to 54-year-old Phillip Lee.
"Since that tragic day, we never stopped trying to find the person responsible for cutting Anna's life short," said Commissioner Anthony Batts, Baltimore Police Department.
Neighbors say Anna Smith's murder shocked the entire community. Now that a suspect has been found, they're thankful.
"You don't do that to people. You reap what you sow," said neighbor Morris Gaskin.
WJZ took Phillip Lee's photo to Smith's neighborhood. Some remember seeing him around.
"He's where he needs to belong at now," neighbor Manley Gaskin said.
"He did some cruel stuff to that woman, and she was a nice lady," said Debra Bryson, neighbor.
They're all relieved justice will finally be served after more than three decades.
Phillip Lee was indicted by a grand jury for first-degree murder, first-degree sex offense and burglary.
Lee is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 10.
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