After more than three and a half decades, one of Annapolis’s longest-running cold case investigations has seen a major breakthrough. The Annapolis Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect in the 1989 homicide of Garnet Elizabeth Griffith, who was tragically found dead on January 12, 1989.
The department’s Criminal Investigation Division, following a renewed review of evidence and fresh investigative leads, secured an arrest warrant for William Cook, Jr. on October 8, 2025.
Cold case detectives subsequently located and arrested Cook at his residence at 29 West Washington St. in Annapolis on October 9, 2025, at 12:25 p.m.
He has been charged in connection with Griffith’s killing.
Case Background
Garnet Elizabeth Griffith was discovered deceased on Kensington Way in Annapolis after officers responded to a 911 call on January 12, 1989. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined she had suffered injuries consistent with a gunshot wound. Despite extensive police work spanning decades, the case remained unsolved until the recent developments.
READ: Without A Trace: Florida College Student, Tiffany Louise Sessions, Still Missing 36 Years Later
Chief Praises Persistence
Chief of Police Ed Jackson released a powerful statement crediting the unwavering commitment of his personnel and partner agencies for the successful arrest.
“The arrest in this case is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our detectives, both past and present, to seeking justice for every victim,” Chief Jackson said. He specifically commended the efforts of the cold case team started by Deputy Chief Stan Branford, along with Det. Corporal Will Noel and Sgt. Castor Redondo.
Chief Jackson also extended thanks to State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess and her office, noting their “partnership and tireless efforts were absolutely critical.”
He concluded by emphasizing the department’s dedication to all open cold cases. “This arrest brings some measure of closure to the victim’s family, and it shows our community that we will never stop fighting for justice. To all of the families still grieving from any open cold case, we will continue to investigate those and do everything in our power to bring those persons responsible for their murders to justice!”
READ: BTK Killer Dennis Rader Confronted In Kansas Prison Over New Victims And Decades Of Lies
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
