Cold Case Cracked After 37 Years: DNA Identifies Killer In ‘Mooda’ Thompson Murder In Frederick

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A Maryland family that waited nearly four decades for answers finally has them.

Frederick Police announced a major break in the 1988 killing of Delores Marie “Mooda” Thompson, confirming that updated DNA testing has identified the man responsible.

Thompson was found dead in her apartment in the 100 block of S. Market Street on Feb. 1, 1988. Investigators determined her death was caused by ligature strangulation and found evidence of a sexual assault.

At the time, DNA testing was in its early stages. 

Police said no usable profile could be developed from the evidence, even after investigators interviewed multiple people, including Calvin Ziegler, who was known to Thompson and often visited her apartment. No suspect sample was ever produced in 1988.

That changed this year.

Detectives and crime scene personnel conducted a full re-review of the evidence.

Crime Scene Specialist Sabrina Swann identified a small section of bedding that had never been tested. Modern forensic processing produced a DNA profile eligible for state and national CODIS comparison.

Police said the sample returned a hit to Ziegler, who died in 2010.

"For nearly four decades, this family has been waiting for answers," Frederick Police Chief Jason Lando said. "She was only 23 years old when she was found dead in her apartment."

"There were no signs of forced entry at the time, and all evidence was submitted for testing at the time. We also interviewed people who were in and out of the apartment, and the case stalled... But our detectives and crime scene analysts never walked away from the case." 

The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the findings and issued a formal letter stating the evidence supports Ziegler as the contributor of the DNA and the person responsible for Thompson’s homicide, officials said. 

Because he is deceased, no charges can be filed, but the case will be closed based on the evidence.

Police said Thompson’s family and friends “have long lived without answers,” and that the development gives them long-awaited clarity.

The Frederick Police Department extended sympathy to the family and asked the public to respect their privacy as they process the news.