Man Charged In Woman's Murder Four Decades Later

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Authorities have charged a man in connection with the death of 31-year-old Kathryn Donohue, of Arlington, Virginia, who was found dead in a Prince George's County parking lot more than four decades ago.

Rodger Zodas Brown, 82, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, was recently arrested and charged with first-degree murder, rape and other counts in connection with Donohue's death. He remains in North Carolina pending extradition to Prince George’s County, police said.

According to authorities, on March 3, 1979, someone walking through a parking lot in the 8400 block of Hamlin Street in Glenarden found Donohue's body and called police.

The Prince George's County Police Department responded and opened an investigation into the Donohue's rape and murder. Despite an extensive, years-long investigation, the case remained unsolved.

PGPD cold case detectives sought and obtained court authorization to conduct a forensic genetic genealogy DNA analysis in connection to this case. In late 2024, the FBI Baltimore Field Office was able to identify a relative of the unknown male suspect.

Additional investigation ultimately led authorities to identify Brown as a suspect. According to police, Brown lived in Hyattsville at the time of the murder.

With the assistance of the Moore County Sheriff’s Office and FBI Charlotte Field Office, Brown was arrested last week at his home in North Carolina.

At this time, police said there is no known connection between the victim and Brown.

Anyone with information about the case should contact authorities at 301-516-2512.

Anyone with information may also contact Crime Solvers online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, use the “P3 Tips” mobile app or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. Please refer to case number 79-062-0218.