Davie Police Department in Florida has recently made a breakthrough in a cold case dating back to 1987, identifying Donald Lawless as the perpetrator behind the brutal murder of 28-year-old Marilyn Decker. Lawless, who passed away in 1995, was linked to the crime through DNA evidence, shedding light on a horrific crime that had remained unsolved for over three decades.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Marilyn-Decker-110325-4027e4ff23cd4fa9afa5fe69e39bca56.jpg)
Decker’s body was discovered in a canal on Flamingo Road in 1987, naked from the waist down and subjected to horrifying mutilation after being asphyxiated. The case haunted investigators for years until the Davie Police Department’s Cold Case Unit reopened it in 2021, leading to the revelation of Lawless’s involvement. Detective Eddy Velazquez described Lawless as a “complete monster,” expressing his belief that Decker might not have been his only victim. Velazquez suspects Lawless may have been involved in other murders, stating, “I think he’s definitely involved in others. 100%. 100%.”
The investigation into Decker’s murder uncovered a disturbing pattern in Lawless’s criminal history, including a range of offenses from theft to fraud, indicating a propensity for violence and criminal behaviour. With DNA evidence pointing to Lawless’s guilt, authorities were able to confirm his role in Decker’s murder, highlighting the importance of forensic advancements in solving cold cases and bringing closure to families of victims.
Decker’s tragic death was a stark contrast to the promising future she once had, as described by Velazquez, who highlighted her descent into a troubled lifestyle prior to her murder. The unraveling of Lawless’s connection to the case through genealogy and forensic analysis underscored the tireless efforts of law enforcement to seek justice and hold perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable, even decades later.
Lawless’s death in 1995 may have seemed like the end of any accountability for his actions, but advancements in DNA technology allowed authorities to trace his relatives and obtain a sample for comparison, ultimately leading to the confirmation of his involvement in Decker’s murder. The Broward County State Attorney’s Office found sufficient evidence to charge Lawless posthumously, shedding light on the possibility of his involvement in other unsolved cases.
Velazquez’s suspicions of Lawless’s potential involvement in additional murders across different states underscore the chilling reality of unresolved crimes and the enduring impact on families and communities. The revelation of Lawless’s criminal past and the trail of violence he left behind serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of ongoing efforts to solve cold cases and seek justice for victims and their loved ones.
As authorities continue to investigate possible connections between Lawless and other unsolved cases, the resolution of Marilyn Decker’s murder stands as a testament to the persistence and dedication of law enforcement in pursuing justice, no matter how much time has passed. The closure brought to Decker’s case offers a glimpse of hope for other families awaiting answers, highlighting the significance of advancements in forensic science and investigative techniques in unravelling the truth behind long-standing mysteries.