Virginia police looking for clues to solve 1996 murder

WASHINGTON — Authorities are once again asking for help to solve the murder of a young woman from decades ago. Alicia Showalter Reynolds disappeared in March 1996 and may have fallen victim to a Route 29 stalker.

“Yes, we are still hopeful,” said Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corrine Geller. “Cold cases get solved all the time.”

Before Reynolds’ body was found, the 25-year-old last was seen with her white Mercury Tracer parked along Route 29 in Culpeper County.

Witnesses reported seeing a man with her who had a dark pickup, possibly a green Nissan.

The man was described as white, between 5-foot-10 inches and 6 feet tall, with light brown hair, of medium build and between 35 and 45 years old.

“You advance that to where we are today — this individual would be in his 60s to 70s,” Geller said.

Geller said other women drivers at the time reported a white man pulling them over or attempting to stop them in that same area along Route 29.

Maybe someone will remember something helpful, Geller said. “Thinking … you know, I’ve always thought this weird thing about that night — that incident,” she added.

Geller said someone might even know the killer and have developed a conscience, or now feels safe or in a better position to come forward with information.

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up