Maryland Police Close 1975 Cold Case After Serial Killer’s Confession

Charles William Davis Jr., already serving life sentences for other murders, admitted to killing Roseann Sturtz nearly 50 years ago.

Roseann Sturtz, a 20-year-old Baltimore resident, was strangled to death in August 1975 after meeting her killer at a bar.
Charles William Davis Jr., a convicted serial killer serving multiple life sentences, confessed to the murder during a 2024 prison interview with Howard County police.
A 1981 audio recording and a mugshot of Sturtz from shortly before her death were key pieces of evidence that led to Davis identifying her as one of his victims.
Sturtz’s skeletal remains were discovered in December 1975 in a wooded area in Columbia, Maryland, and her identity was confirmed the following year through forensic analysis.
While Davis cannot be prosecuted for Sturtz’s murder due to prior immunity, his confession provides long-awaited closure for her family.