Homicide detectives charged 68-year-old Donald Lester with the 1994 murder of his estranged wife, 31-year-old Linda Lester, who was a Baltimore County 911 police dispatcher. The last time Linda was seen alive was October 11, 1994, when she was leaving work and heading to Donald’s house, where she planned to pick up her 2-year-old child. At the time, Donald and Linda were going through a divorce and living in separate homes.
The following day, Linda’s sister reported that she was missing. Linda's body was found off of I-70 days later. While detectives questioned Donald after Linda’s disappearance, it was the forensic evidence collected from the victim that provided detectives with enough evidence to file charges.
“We commend the Baltimore County Police Department’s Cold Case Squad for their vigilant and dedicated work to close this case and achieve justice for Linda Lester and her family,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “As a member of our 911 team, Linda worked tirelessly to make our county a safer place where every call for help was answered swiftly and with compassion. Anyone who breaks the law in Baltimore County will be held accountable, and we’re grateful to our police department for their tireless work on this case.”
Donald Lester is being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center.
Republished courtesy of Baltimore County