Montgomery County (web|news) investigators have used DNA evidence to conclusively link the home-invasion murder of a Bethesda woman to two other home-invasion burglaries in which the homeowners were assaulted, law enforcement sources tell ABC 7/NewsChannel 8's Brad Bell.

Mary Havenstein, 63, was found dead in her home in the 8900 block of Seven Locks Road about 8:45 a.m. Sept. 4. She had been tied up. Investigators believe someone broke into her home, but they are not sure anything was stolen.

DNA from the intruder found in Havenstein's home links it to two other cases which are part of a series of six home-invasion robberies - including Havenstein's murder -- over the past year in the southwest corner of Montgomery County and Northwest D.C.

Linked Incidents

Sept. 17, 2007	Bethesda
Nov. 27, 2007	Chevy Chase
Jan. 9, 2008	Palisades, D.C.
Feb. 27, 2008	Potomac
May 7, 2008	Kensington
Sept. 4, 2008	Bethesda

The DNA fingerprint has not yet been linked to a suspect, but sources say it should help lead to a conviction if one is identified.

Police have released a computer-generated composite sketch of the attacker. He was described as Hispanic, in his 20s, about 5'2" to 5'8", and about 150 pounds.

Detectives are working to determine whether there are any links between the victims, such as visiting the same grocery store, shopping center, hair salon or using the same yard service.

"The investigation's slow going, there's a lot of information, we got a lot of people working on it," said Montgomery County police Chief Tom Manager.

County police Chief Tom Manger also told residents that the intruder often enters through open or unlocked doors. The man also has not disabled burglar alarms or security devices.

Residents say the crimes have everyone on edge, and paying attention to the case.

"Having any information that they have some leads is an important thing," said Sanford Markley, a neighbor of Havenstein's. "There's no question, I go to bed every night listening for every sound in the house. 

W. Gregory Wims, President of The Victims' Rights Foundation, announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for the homicide of Mary Havenstein.

The Victims' Rights Foundation has set up a "Home Invasion Homicide Fund' to accept donations to increase the reward. All donations are tax deductible. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund should send a check with a notation in the memo line for the Home Invasion Homicide Fund to:

The Victims' Rights Foundation
814 West Diamond Avenue
Suite 200
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

 

Linked Incidents by Location

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