Forensic Advances Shed New Light on Trooper's Death

Trooper Johnny Rush Bowman was stabbed to death at his front door 30 years ago Tuesday.

Virginia State Police say new information on DNA found at the scene of a state trooper's murder is shedding new light on the 30-year-old case.

On Aug. 19, 1984, Trooper Johnny Rush Bowman answered the front door of his Manassas, Virginia, home and was stabbed to death by an unknown assailant. Police say the suspect fled the scene on foot, leaving behind eyeglasses, a wig and a hard hat.

Bowman's wife was home at the time and called 911, but it was too late. Bowman, 31, died at an area hospital. He left behind a 2-year-old daughter.

Investigators from the Virginia State Police, Manassas City Police Department, and FBI along with the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney have worked on Bowman's case since 1984.

Forensic evidence from the scene has been tested throughout the years -- most recently in 2010. And while that testing has given investigators more information, law enforcement agencies are asking anyone with information regarding Bowman's case to call the Virginia State Police tip line at 703-803-2637.

A $50,000 reward is being offered for information that could lead to an arrest and conviction.

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