Authorities Offer $50,000 Reward in Manassas Cold Case

Law Enforcement Seeks Assistance in Unsolved Murder of Virginia State Trooper Johnny Bowman

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, and Manassas City Police Department announced a $50,000 reward today for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the murder of Virginia State Trooper Johnny Rush Bowman in August 1984.

In the early morning of August 19, 1984, Trooper Bowman answered the front door of his residence in the Bristoe Station development of Manassas, Virginia, and was repeatedly stabbed by an unknown assailant(s). Trooper Bowman’s wife was home during the attack and placed the 911 call for assistance. The attacker(s) fled on foot from Bowman’s home, leaving behind eyeglasses, a wig, and a construction hard hat. Trooper Bowman died shortly thereafter at a local hospital. In addition to his wife, Trooper Bowman left behind a 2-year-old daughter.

Twenty-eight years after Trooper Bowman’s murder, advancements in forensic testing have identified new information regarding DNA found at the scene. Forensic evidence was originally submitted to the FBI Laboratory for testing in 1984. Additional tests were conducted in the late 1990s and again in 2010.

“While this brutal attack occurred more than 25 years ago, we believe that someone can still provide a piece of the puzzle that will help solve this case,” said James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “It is important for the public to know that no piece of information is too small to share. With the assistance of advanced forensic science, we are able to actively pursue new leads to identify whoever is responsible for this murder.”

“Solving this homicide has been a priority for the Virginia State Police since it occurred that fateful morning of August 19, 1984,” said Capt. David A. Russillo, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Fairfax Field Office. “Over the past 28 years, this case has taken investigators to as far away as California, Ohio, and other states in their pursuit of the necessary evidence to bring the murderer or murderers to justice.”

“I am confident that we are moving in the right direction with this investigation,” said Chief Douglas W. Keen, Manassas City Police Department. “It’s important for the public to understand that even after 28 years, we are committed to solving this murder and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

Investigators from Virginia State Police, Manassas City Police Department, and the FBI have been involved in this case since 1984 and continue to diligently follow every lead. In 2005, Virginia State Police conducted a media campaign asking for the public’s assistance in recalling any details that could help to solve this case. The FBI has provided law enforcement assistance to Virginia State Police and Manassas City Police Department to include the processing of evidence at the FBI Laboratory.

Law enforcement agencies are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Virginia State Police tip line at 703-803-2637.

Additional Contacts:

Virginia State Police

Public Affairs Office: 804-263-5547

www.vsp.state.va.us

Manassas City Police

Public Affairs Office: 703-257-8038

www.manassascity.org