On April 15, 1986, 24‑year‑old Janice Lynn Potter, who was two months pregnant, was found stabbed to death in the basement of her townhouse on Talister Court in Rossville, Baltimore County. Her husband discovered her when he returned that night from a college class. Nearly four decades later, the killing remains unsolved, and with the 40th anniversary approaching on April 15, 2026, family members and investigators say they are ramping up their push for anyone with information to finally speak up.
What investigators say about the attack
According to the Baltimore County Police Department, Potter came home from work that evening, ate dinner, and then went downstairs to watch television. Before leaving for class, her husband had cracked open the back sliding door to let in some air. Detectives say he returned around 10 p.m. and found his wife had been stabbed repeatedly.
Investigators believe the killer came in through that partially open sliding door. They say there were no signs of forced entry at any other doors, and several pieces of jewelry were later reported missing.
Family remembers Janice
For Potter's loved ones, the loss has cast a long shadow over the past 40 years. Lynda Lubinski told WMAR‑2 News that "it's hard to believe that 40 years could pass and that no resolution has come about in this case."
Relatives describe Potter as introverted and cautious. She worked at Martin Marietta in Middle River and was expecting the couple's first child at the time she was killed.
How detectives are asking for help
Baltimore County's cold‑case squad continues to review leads and is urging former neighbors on Talister Court to think back to anything unusual they may have noticed around that time, even if it seemed minor.
As reported by CBS Baltimore, detectives say that small, long‑forgotten details can sometimes be the key that finally unlocks a case. Metro Crime Stoppers and county programs are offering rewards, with Metro Crime Stoppers listing up to $2,000 for tips that lead to an arrest.
Why some cold cases see new life
In recent years, advances in DNA testing and forensic genealogy have helped crack several Maryland cold cases, giving investigators fresh tools to work with in older files like Potter's.
The Washington Post has detailed several examples where genetic genealogy helped identify both victims and suspects. At the same time, Baltimore County officials have announced a major effort to expand testing of older evidence to support cold‑case investigations.
How to share tips
Anyone with information about the killing of Janice Potter is asked to contact Baltimore County Homicide detectives or Metro Crime Stoppers. WMAR‑2 News and county postings, including the Baltimore County Police Department website, list the Homicide & Missing Persons Unit at 410‑887‑3943 and Metro Crime Stoppers at 1‑866‑7‑LOCKUP. Tips may also be submitted anonymously online.
