LPD solves 1987 murder
Mary Davis was 29 years old at the time of her death. {Contributed photo}
LEXINGTON, NC –Detectives with the Lexington Police Department utilized recent advancements in DNA technology to identify the suspect in a cold case from 1987, the murder of Mary Davis.
Davis was reported missing on May 30, 1987. She was last seen at Lanier Hardware, where she worked. On May 31, 1987, investigators found the body of Mary Davis behind 802 East Center Street in Lexington (Winn Dixie at the time of the crime).
As with all homicide investigations, Mary Davis's case has remained open and assigned to investigators throughout the years. Investigators in 1987 collected evidence that was not viable in assisting in the case until recently. In reviewing the evidence and knowing that technology has evolved, current investigators submitted physical evidence to the N.C. State Crime Lab for examination. Based on those findings, detectives contacted N.C. State Bureau of Investigation to review possibilities of moving forward with the newest information. The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, in partnership with Othram, Inc., undertook the complex process of utilizing the most recent advancements in DNA to provide evidence that led to identifying the offender in the murder of Mary Davis.
Corroborated by information gained throughout the years from other investigators, Lexington Police investigators, and N.C. State Bureau of Investigation presented the evidence to District Attorney Garry Frank. Based on the evidence presented, Mr. Frank provided an official letter indicating that, if alive today, the State would proceed with indictments for the offenses of: First-Degree Murder, First-Degree Kidnapping, and First Degree Rape charging Russell Grant Wood with these crimes. The offender in this case, Russell Grant Wood of Lexington, died in 2013.
Investigators initially notified Mary's family of new developments in the case on Friday, February 3. On February 6, investigators met with the family to share more details of what had transpired in the case.
Statement from Othram Inc:
In 2022, DNA evidence from the case was sent to Othram Inc., and Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive genealogical profile for the unknown male suspect.
Othram built a comprehensive genealogy profile from the remaining DNA extract, and then Othram's in-house genealogical team used the profile to produce investigative leads. Othram then returned investigative leads to Investigators. As part of a follow-up investigation, investigators identified the suspect.
