1996 murder of Towson University student in Baltimore County remains unsolved 30 years later

Baltimore County police are renewing calls for information in a 30-year-old cold case murder. 

Joann "Jody" Elizabeth LeCornu, 23, was found dead inside her car on March 2, 1996, in the 6300 block of York Road. 

During the initial investigation, police learned that LeCornu had gone to the Mount Washington Tavern earlier in the night after she had a fight with her boyfriend. 

Around 4 a.m., she gave someone a ride home, bought more alcohol at the Curbe Shoppe Bar in the 5700 block of Falls Road, and stopped to make phone calls in the parking lot of the Drumcastle Shopping Center in the 6300 block of York Road, according to police. 

Cold case murder 

As LeCornu was sitting in her car, a suspect approached, police said. It's unclear how long he spent at her vehicle or if he interacted with LeCornu, according to police. 

At some point, the suspect shot LeCornu in her back as she was sitting in her car. She drove onto York Road and into the parking lot of the York Road Plaza across the street. She drove around the lot before stopping, police said. 

The suspect followed her and, when her car stopped, he reached inside and removed something, according to police. 

Evidence and witness accounts 

During the investigation, witnesses shared information about the suspect. Police also recovered fingerprints from LeCornu's car, but they did not match any individuals on record. 

Police determined that the suspect, described as a Black man with a stocky build, fled the scene going southbound on York Road in a white BMW. Witnesses said he was wearing a green army or camouflage-style jacket at the time of the shooting. 

Anyone with information that can help solve this case is asked to call the police at 410-307-2020 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

Victim's sister calls for answers 

In 2024, WJZ spoke with LeCornu's twin sister, Jennifer Carrieri. 

"They have six witnesses and fingerprints and video," she said. "It's hard to believe that it's not solved."

She has continued to call for answers about her sister's death.

"Please come forward," Carrieri said. "We've been through hell, and not even back from hell, just going through all of this, and if you know something, even if it's something you think is not important, just call in and report it. Just do the right thing."