DNA leads to arrest in 1994 cold case homicide of Linda Lester, police say
By Greg Ng, David Collins
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TOWSON, Maryland (WBAL) — Detectives arrested the estranged husband of a woman at the center of a 1994 cold case homicide, Baltimore County police announced Friday.
Linda May Lester, 31, was last seen alive on Oct. 11, 1994, when she left work as a 911 dispatcher in Towson and headed to the Randallstown house of her estranged husband, Donald Lester, to pick up her 2-year-old child, county police said. The victim’s sister reported her missing the next day.
Court documents indicate a friend usually followed Linda Lester to Donald Lester’s house because he had a violent temper and was abusive. On the day of Linda Lester’s disappearance, the friend was delayed, documents state.
At the time, Donald and Linda Lester were going through a divorce and living in separate homes, police said. Authorities said Donald Lester had a life insurance policy on her and got a big payout after Linda Lester’s death.
Police said detectives questioned Donald Lester after Linda Lester’s disappearance, but that it was forensic evidence collected from the victim that led to charges.
On Thursday, detectives arrested Donald Lester, 68, on a first-degree murder charge based on advancements in DNA technology and the evidence collected at the time, police said Friday. Material found under Linda Lester’s fingernails linked Donald Lester to her death.
“This progress would not have been possible if not for the diligent work done decades ago by detectives,” said Joy Lepola-Stewart, a spokesperson for Baltimore County police.
Linda Lester’s body was found alongside Interstate 70 just south of the Howard County line. The medical examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled her manner of death a homicide.
Donald Lester remained held without bond Friday at the Baltimore County Detention Center.
His attorney argued during the bail review hearing for home detention, saying it isn’t shocking that DNA could have been found because they had a kid together, who is now 33 years old.
“For 31 years, Mr. Lester has maintained his innocence. The charging document does nothing to change that,” said Hunter Pruette, Donald Lester’s attorney.
Police said Linda Lester’s throat had been cut, she was strangled and there was evidence of blunt-force trauma to her head, which had been covered with a plastic trash bag. Marks on Linda Lester’s arms indicated self-defense wounds.
Police also said Donald Lester had abrasions on his nose and a burn on his left arm, but couldn’t explain why.
Family members, including the couple’s daughter, left the courthouse crying after attending the hearing to support Donald Lester.
“I think the family is distraught,” Pruette said. “But they are strong, and they are going to do well, and they are going to stay strong. They’ve got his complete support.”
Police arrested Donald Lester on Sept. 30. His next court appearance — unless he’s indicted — is Nov. 7.
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