Fairfax County detectives canvassed streets in Springfield early Sunday evening looking for leads in the slaying of 74-year-old Marion Newman.
A friend found Newman’s body on Tuesday at her 7102 Reservoir Road home. Police found signs of a struggle and trauma to the victim’s upper body, but no sign of forced entry into the building.
Detectives on Sunday planned to hand out fliers, stop cars and solicit information on the case along Highland Avenue and Craig Street, according to police spokeswoman Keela Lowry.
Authorities are exploring similarities between Newman’s killing and that of 72-year-old Marion Marshall, whose body was found in her home on Aug. 14 in the Springfield area. An autopsy found Marshall’s death was due to physical trauma.
“There are similarities,” said Lowry, who noted both women lived in close proximity to each other. “They are both elderly citizens; they were both very active in their community. Due to the similarities, we are looking at both cases.”
Police have not, however, drawn a connection between the two crimes. No suspects have been named in either case.
Police are asking anyone in the community who may have information about the incidents to call 703-691-2131 or Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS.
