Cold Case Files: "REOPENED: A Knock At The Door"

Host: Paula Barros
Episode Release Date: January 9, 2025
Duration: Approximately 32 minutes

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "REOPENED: A Knock At The Door," Paula Barros delves into the harrowing story of Mona Lisa Abney, a case that remained unsolved for over four decades until advancements in DNA technology brought new evidence to light. Hosted by Paula Barros and featuring insights from detectives Steve Malewski and Bob Murphy of Fairfax County, Virginia, this episode exemplifies the meticulous work of cold case units in solving some of America’s most challenging unsolved murders.

The Original Crime Scene

The story begins in 1978 at the Tysons Corner Holiday Inn, where Mona Lisa Abney, a 25-year-old woman, was found brutally murdered in her hotel room. Detective Murphy recounts the grim details:

"She was nude, basically from the waist down, and she was kind of lying on her back. Automatically you would think she's been raped." (03:30)

Initial investigations suggested that Mona was both raped and strangled. However, the case quickly hit a dead end due to the limitations of forensic technology at the time. Fingerprints, hair samples, and blood evidence collected then couldn’t definitively link a suspect to the crime.

Initial Suspect: Wilbert Abney

Mona's husband, Wilbert Abney, emerged as the primary suspect early in the investigation. Several red flags pointed towards him:

1. Life Insurance Policy: Wilbert had taken out a significant life insurance policy just weeks before Mona’s death. Detective Malewski explains:

   "He was having an affair. When Jaeger interviews Abney's girlfriend, she recalls a phone call from Abney the morning Mona was found murdered." (07:55)

2. Financial Motive: Abney attempted to collect on the fraudulent insurance policy, despite not having his wife's signature on it, further implicating him in potential financial gain from her death.

3. Affair: Evidence surfaced that Abney was involved in an extramarital affair, adding a layer of personal motive to the case.

Despite these suspicions, Wilbert Abney maintained his innocence, passing a polygraph test and presenting DNA evidence that didn’t match the crime scene. This led investigators to seek other suspects, but months of investigation yielded little progress, and the case was relegated to Fairfax County’s cold case files.

Reopening the Case: Advancements in DNA Technology

Decades later, in 2004, detectives Malewski and Murphy revisited Mona’s case, spurred by relentless determination and the hope that modern forensic advancements could finally provide answers. Bill Curtis, an expert involved in the case, noted:

"From forensic technology we use now wasn't available to the original investigators." (00:36)

The cold case unit unearthed preserved evidence swabs from the original crime scene. These samples had been meticulously stored, allowing forensic scientists to extract viable DNA profiles years later.

Breakthrough Through DNA Evidence

Mary Greene, a forensic scientist at the state crime lab, successfully extracted a DNA profile from the preserved semen samples:

"I was able to attain a DNA profile, and it matched this, it was a very strong match." (19:49)

This breakthrough connected Wilbert Abney’s DNA to the crime scene, creating a new avenue for prosecutors. However, Abney’s physical appearance didn’t align with the original suspect sketch, leading detectives to initially eliminate Michael Grotto, who bore a resemblance to the maid’s description. Grotto was suspected after being identified by the maid during a live lineup, but DNA comparisons ultimately exonerated him.

Wilbert Abney's Evasive Behavior and Confrontation

As DNA evidence mounted against him, Wilbert Abney’s behavior grew increasingly suspicious. Detectives described his demeanor as unnervingly calm:

"His cold demeanor is startling to investigators. As well as to friends and family." (05:51)

In September 2005, cold case detectives paid a visit to Abney’s residence in Pennsylvania. Expecting cooperation, they were met with resistance and defiance:

"Abney balks at providing the sample until the current Mrs. Abney pulls her husband aside." (19:22)

After some persuasion, including intervention from his current wife, Wilbert agreed to provide a buccal swab. The DNA results were irrefutable, matching the semen found at the crime scene.

The Trial: Confronting the Truth

Facing undeniable DNA evidence, Wilbert Abney finally confessed to the murder, albeit with a twisted narrative:

"He said, I went into the room, we engaged in consensual intercourse and I choked her with my belt, which we did on occasion that she asked me to do." (28:27)

However, forensic evidence contradicted his account. The presence of a belt buckle mark on Mona's neck indicated excessive force, inconsistent with an accidental death. Furthermore, discrepancies in his stories and the absence of his wife's possessions raised further doubts about his innocence.

Katie Swart, the prosecuting attorney, emphasized the clarity of the evidence:

"In this case, you had the DNA that finally put this defendant, Mr. Abney, in the hotel room back in 1978. Because up to that point, he had denied being there having sex with her. He lied through his teeth back in 1978 that he hadn't been there, that he hadn't had sex with her." (30:29)

The jury found Wilbert Abney guilty after four days of deliberation, sentencing him to 28 years in prison. Although he filed an appeal in 2008, it was denied, and he was subsequently denied parole, with his release date set for August 24, 2023.

Impact and Reflections

Patricia Parker, a close friend of Mona Lisa Abney, shared her emotional response to the case's resolution:

"It was a Sunday evening, early Sunday evening, that we got the call from him… He was so relaxed when he said it. It was like, she's dead." (06:03)

The closure of Mona’s case brought justice for her and a sense of relief to those who had long awaited answers. However, Detective Murphy reflects on the broader implications for cold case units:

"For cold case detectives, the verdict means one more case is closed. One more picture can be taken off the wall. Unfortunately, too many faces remain watching and waiting for their day in court." (32:23)

Conclusion

"REOPENED: A Knock At The Door" serves as a poignant reminder of the perseverance required to solve cold cases. The episode highlights how technological advancements, combined with unwavering dedication, can bring justice to victims and their families even decades later. Through detailed storytelling and expert insights, Paula Barros effectively captures the complexities and emotional depth of reopening a decades-old murder case, making it an enlightening listen for both true crime enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Notable Quotes:

• "Any homicide detective will tell you they have their cases that are really at the top of their list of what they would like to solve." – Bill Curtis (02:17)
• "You have a question in your mind? Is the husband involved?" – Crime Scene Technician (06:52)
• "This is the only thing he could come up with, okay, I was there, okay? It is my DNA, because we had consensual intercourse." – Wilbert Abney (28:27)

Key Timestamps:

• 03:30 – Initial discovery of Mona Lisa Abney’s body.
• 07:55 – Detective Malewski discusses red flags surrounding Wilbert Abney.
• 19:49 – DNA profile match confirmed by Forensic Scientist Mary Greene.
• 28:27 – Wilbert Abney’s confession and subsequent trial.

Follow-Up:

For more detailed accounts of similar cases and updates on the latest forensic advancements, listeners are encouraged to visit Cold Case Files.