BREAKING NEWS: A major breakthrough has emerged in the decades-old unsolved murder of Virginia artist Robin Lawrence, as investigators have linked former soldier Stephan Smerk to the gruesome crime through DNA evidence. This shocking development could finally bring closure to a case that has haunted Lawrence’s family since her brutal death on November 20, 1994.
Authorities confirm that Smerk, now a 51-year-old computer programmer, has confessed to the murder, stating, “I am a serial killer who’s only killed once.” This startling admission came during an interrogation on September 7, 2023, just days after detectives collected his DNA, which matched evidence found at the crime scene. The DNA match, from a bloodstained washcloth, provides a one in over 7 million chance that it could belong to someone else.
The murder was discovered when Lawrence’s friend, Laurie Lindberg, arrived at her home and found blood splattered throughout the house, with Lawrence’s two-year-old daughter, Nicole, wandering nearby. Lindberg immediately called 911, triggering a frantic response from authorities. Detectives described the scene as horrific, with Lawrence suffering from multiple stab wounds and signs of a violent struggle.
For nearly three decades, Lawrence’s family has grappled with the aftermath of her murder. Her sister, Mary Warr Cowans, expressed the family’s enduring pain, stating, “We wanted him to be put on trial.” The emotional toll of the case has been profound, with Cowans noting that her mother passed away without knowing what happened to her daughter.
In a twist of fate, investigators turned to genetic genealogy in 2019, seeking help from Parabon NanoLabs. Their efforts initially yielded no conclusive results until an amateur genealogist, who volunteered to assist with the case, uncovered a connection to Smerk after analyzing over 1,500 distant relatives. This led detectives to revisit Smerk, whose demeanor during their initial contact raised suspicions.
When detectives approached Smerk at his New York home, he showed no signs of surprise or fear, providing a DNA sample within minutes. Just hours later, he contacted police to turn himself in, saying, “It’s only a matter of time.” His confession revealed a chilling account of the crime, detailing how he broke into Lawrence’s home while under the influence and killed her without prior knowledge of her identity.
The Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney, Steve Descano, emphasized the significance of this case, stating, “Stephan Smerk stands alone as somebody who represents a true danger to the community.” Smerk was charged with first-degree murder, and on March 7, 2025, he was sentenced to the maximum of 70 years in prison, with the possibility of parole.
As Robin’s family reflects on this long-awaited justice, they are reminded of the vibrant spirit she embodied through her art. Cowans remarked, “I want people to remember her as creative, exuberant, very vocal, caring, a beautiful mother.” The community continues to rally around her family, as they seek to honor her legacy while grappling with the emotional scars left by such a violent act.
The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violence on a family and the relentless pursuit of justice. As Smerk faces his sentencing, Robin’s family hopes that his time behind bars will ensure he never has the chance to harm another innocent life.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
