A State Department official awaiting transfer to a new assignment was shot to death in an apparent robbery attempt in Arlington.
The killing of 41-year-old John Herse happened more than three decades ago, but Arlington County police hold out hope the slaying will be solved and Herse’s family will have some closure.
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On the evening of Aug. 14, 1974, Herse and his wife had dinner at the Orleans House Restaurant in Rosslyn and were walking back to their hotel when three men approached them from behind.
Herse was pushed to the ground. When he rose, police said, one of the men had a gun out and shot him. The assailants fled. Herse was taken to the Arlington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Arlington County Police Department’s Cold Case Unit is seeking the public’s help to find the persons responsible for Herse’s killing.
The assailants are described as three black men. The first was in his 20s, about 5-foot-7 tall, with a slim build. He was wearing a black hat, glasses or lightly colored sunglasses, a dark jacket, and a white T-shirt.
The second assailant was also about 5-foot-8 and slender, with a plaid coat. A detailed description is not available for the third assailant.
Anyone with information about any of is asked to call the Arlington County Police Tip Line at 703-228-4242, or Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS (8477).
