Baltimore County detectives are giving fresh attention to a chilling Towson cold case, renewing their plea for help in the 2001 killing of a neighborhood dry-cleaning manager who was found fatally stabbed behind her store counter. The victim, 56-year-old Mary Roe, was discovered more than two decades ago, and investigators say the case is still open as they search for new leads. They are betting that someone in the community knows something that could finally crack the mystery.
According to Baltimore County Police, officers were called to Atlantic Cleaners in the 700 block of Walker Avenue on March 24, 2001, after a report of a person in cardiac arrest. Roe, the store's manager, was found behind the front counter just before 8 a.m. with multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The county's unsolved homicide page notes that the killing appears to have happened shortly before the owner arrived.
Detectives call killing 'extremely horrific'
Det. L. Buckingham with the county's Cold Case Unit has described Roe's death as "extremely horrific" and stressed that investigators have not shelved the file, saying, "No case is ever left behind," as reported by Fox Baltimore. Buckingham said detectives remain hopeful that someone with information will finally come forward.
Police offer reward, ask for tips
Per a Baltimore County release, anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and charging of a suspect may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000. Detectives are asking tipsters to contact the Unsolved Case Squad at 410-887-3943 or by texting 443-862-9426. Metro Crime Stoppers also accepts anonymous tips at 1-866-7-LOCKUP or through the P3TIPS app.
Neighbors still remember the morning
Neighbors told local reporters that Roe kept a strict early routine, with one resident noting that her car often showed up around 5 a.m. WMAR2News reports that investigators found little in the way of physical evidence pointing to a suspect.
Still hoping for answers
Investigators say that even small details could matter and are urging anyone who remembers anything about that morning to get in touch. Tips can be anonymous and may qualify for the reward. The Unsolved Case Squad can be reached at 410-887-3943 or by text at 443-862-9426.
