Cold Case Arrest Made 36 Years After Annapolis Homicide: Police

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis police said they made a cold case arrest Thursday, charging a man in a fatal shooting that happened 36 years ago.

Officers accused Annapolis man William Eugene Cook Jr., 53, of killing Garnet Elizabeth Griffith in 1989. Online court records show that Cook was charged with first- and second-degree murder, among other charges.

"The arrest in this case is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our detectives, both past and present, to seeking justice for every victim," Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson said in a press release. "I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the men and women of the Annapolis Police Department, past and present, who never gave up on this case."

Authorities said they were called to Kensington Way, where Griffith was found dead on Jan. 12, 1989.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim suffered injuries consistent with a gunshot wound, the release said.

Detectives said they identified Cook as a suspect "following years of extensive review of evidence and new leads."

Police said an arrest warrant was issued for Cook on Wednesday.

Officers said they found Cook on Thursday at 12:25 p.m. at his home in the unit block of West Washington Street.

"This arrest brings some measure of closure to the victim's family, and it shows our community that we will never stop fighting for justice," Jackson said. "To all of the families still grieving from any open cold case, we will continue to investigate those and do everything in our power to bring those persons responsible for their murders to justice!"

Jackson also extended a "special thanks to the cold case team started by Deputy Chief Stan Brandford, along with Det. Corporal Will Noel and Sgt. Castor Redondo."

"I also want to extend a huge thank you to the State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess and her office," Jackson said. "Their partnership and tireless efforts were absolutely critical in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion. Finally, thank you to our great mayor, Gavin Buckley, for his part in getting this case solved."

This map shows the area where the Annapolis Police Department said the victim was found.