News Summary
Baltimore authorities have arrested Donald Lester, 68, in connection with the 1994 murder of his estranged wife, Linda May Lester, a 31-year-old 911 dispatcher. Advances in DNA technology have led to this breakthrough after nearly three decades. Linda was last seen on October 11, 1994, and her body was discovered five days later, ruling her death as a homicide. Evidence pointed to Donald’s involvement, and he remains held without bond, with a court hearing scheduled soon. This case sheds light on domestic violence issues and the commitment to justice.
Baltimore authorities have arrested Donald Lester, 68, in connection with the 1994 murder of his estranged wife, Linda May Lester, a 31-year-old Baltimore County 911 dispatcher. The arrest follows advancements in DNA technology and the reopening of investigations into the case after nearly three decades.
Linda Lester was last seen alive on October 11, 1994, when she left work to visit Donald at their home in Randallstown to pick up their 2-year-old child. Concern arose the following day when her sister reported her missing after she failed to return home. Linda was known to have a friend accompany her for safety, given Donald’s violent temper, but on the day of her disappearance, that friend was delayed.
At the time of her disappearance, Linda and Donald were undergoing a divorce and were living separately. Investigators noted that Donald had a life insurance policy on Linda, which he collected after her death. Five days after she was reported missing, Linda’s body was found alongside Interstate 70, just south of the Howard County line. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.
Substantial evidence collected from the scene and the victim’s body provided crucial links to Donald. Forensic analysis revealed material found under Linda’s fingernails that pointed to Donald. Her injuries included severe trauma: a cut throat, signs of strangulation, blunt-force trauma to the head, and defensive wounds on her arms.
Upon initial investigation, Donald Lester was questioned by detectives but was not charged until now. At the time of the murder, he exhibited unexplained injuries, including abrasions on his nose and a burn on his left arm. These factors have raised suspicions regarding his involvement in Linda’s death.
During a bail review hearing, Donald’s attorney maintained his client’s innocence, while family members expressed their distress over the situation. Currently, Donald Lester remains held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 7, unless he is indicted beforehand.
The reopening of this cold case demonstrates how advancements in science can provide new opportunities for justice. Baltimore authorities are committed to investigating cases of domestic violence and homicide, emphasizing the importance of securing justice for victims and their families, even after many years.
Linda Lester’s tragic story highlights significant issues surrounding domestic violence and the lasting impact it can have on families and communities. The determination to resolve her case is a testament to the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address unsolved homicides and bring closure to families affected by such crimes. As investigations continue, the community watches closely, hopeful for justice after almost three decades.
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Additional Resources
- WBALTV: Linda Lester 1994 Homicide Arrest
- The Baltimore Banner: Linda Lester Cold Case
- Fox Baltimore: Husband Arrested for Killing Estranged Wife
- CBS News: Baltimore County 1994 Murder Case
- WMAR2 News: Police Arrest Estranged Husband
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- Google Search: Linda Lester 1994 Murder
- Google Scholar: Domestic Violence Statistics
- Google News: Cold Case Investigation
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
