Nearly 40 years after the brutal murder of a young Virginia woman, police have finally arrested a suspect in the cold case. Authorities say advances in DNA technology and years of investigation helped lead detectives to the man now accused in the decades-old killing.
Man Arrested Nearly 40 Years After 1986 Murder Case
Charles Berry, 66, of Newington, Connecticut, was arrested on May 19 in connection with a 1986 homicide in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The Newington Police Department confirmed that Berry was taken into custody while working alongside the Virginia Beach Police Department.
According to police, Berry was arrested as a fugitive from justice based on an active warrant tied to the old murder investigation.
Victim Was Found Dead Near School
The victim, Roberta Walls, was 22 years old when she was killed in May 1986.
Police said her body was discovered early in the morning behind Old Donation Elementary School in Virginia Beach.
Investigators reported that Walls had suffered severe injuries during a violent assault.
According to media reports, she had multiple stab wounds and had also been sexually assaulted before her death.
Victim Last Seen Leaving Library
Authorities say Walls was last seen alive the night before her body was discovered.
She reportedly worked at the Bayside Public Library, located near the crime scene.
According to investigators, Walls had finished work and was planning to meet friends before she disappeared.
Her murder remained unsolved for decades, becoming one of Virginia Beach’s long-running cold cases.
DNA Technology Helped Revive Investigation
The investigation received new attention in 2017 when detectives used preserved DNA evidence collected from the victim’s body and the crime scene.
Police worked with forensic experts to develop a DNA-based image of a possible suspect.
According to reports, the advanced analysis helped investigators eliminate several earlier persons of interest and move the case forward after more than 30 years.
Grand Jury Indicted Suspect
Authorities confirmed that a grand jury later indicted Berry in connection with Walls’ murder.
Court records show his bond was set at $2 million in Connecticut.
Berry was processed by Newington police before being transported to New Britain Superior Court.
Extradition to Virginia Pending
Officials say Berry’s transfer to Virginia is still waiting for approval from the Connecticut court system.
Once approved, he is expected to face charges connected to the 1986 killing in Virginia Beach.
Police have not yet released full details about the evidence that directly linked Berry to the crime.
Police Scheduled Press Conference
The Virginia Beach Police Department announced plans to hold a press conference regarding the arrest and investigation.
Investigators are expected to provide more details about how the case was solved and what role DNA evidence played in identifying the suspect.
Cold Case Arrest Brings Renewed Attention to Victim
The arrest has brought renewed attention to the tragic killing of Roberta Walls and the long wait for justice in the case.
Cold cases solved decades later often rely on improvements in forensic science, especially DNA testing and evidence preservation.
Authorities say the investigation highlights how modern technology can help solve crimes that once seemed impossible to crack.
