Maryland man charged with 1994 murder of estranged wife

A Baltimore County man has been charged in the 1994 killing of his estranged wife, authorities said Friday.

Donald Lester, 68, is accused of killing 31-year-old Linda Lester, a Baltimore County 911 police dispatcher. The two were going through a divorce and living in separate homes at the time, according to police.

"She was last seen leaving work from the 911 dispatch center. Her sister reported her missing the following day," said Joy Lepola-Stewart, a spokesperson for the Baltimore County Police Department. 

Linda was last seen on the night of October 11, 1994. 

Charging documents said at the time, Donald and Linda were going through a divorce and living in separate homes.

According to detectives, the Baltimore County 911 operator was on her way to the home of her estranged husband, to pick up their then 2-year-old daughter. 

"Her sister reported her missing the following day," said Lepola-Stewart. 

But Linda's car was later found at the then Ramada Inn along Belmont Avenue in Woodlawn with a stroller in the back seat. 

Four days later, on October 17, Linda's body was recovered in Baltimore County on the side of I-70 just south of the Howard County line. 

An autopsy ruled her death a homicide. 

In 2023, detectives analyzed two DNA samples from Linda's right hand of fingernail clippings using modern forensic technology. 

On September 26, 202, the DNA collected was compared to the existing samples collected during the investigation. It identified a mixture of DNA, which included the DNA of Donald, in both samples from under the victim's right-hand fingernails.

"If it were not for the diligent work done decades ago by detectives who initially responded to the crime scene and the evidence that they collected that ultimately preserved the DNA that we were able to have tested," said Lepola-Stewart. 

Investigators said they questioned Donald multiple times after Linda's disappearance and death, but it was the forensic evidence that led to his arrest on September 30. 

"Our detectives are always revisiting cases and re-examining evidence. In this case, we were able to send off some additional evidence for DNA testing that ultimately led to these charges being filed," said Lepola-Stewart. 

Donald appeared in court on Friday for a bail review hearing. Hunter Pruette told WJZ he stood in for his colleague Michael J. Tomko, the defendant's attorney, during Friday's hearing. 

"I think the family is distraught, you know, but they're strong, and they're going to do well, and they're going to stay strong, and they've got his complete support," said Pruette. "In his mind or our mind, he looks forward to his day in court and looks forward to a complete exoneration." 

Lester is being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center. 

A preliminary hearing is scheduled in November.