This is a famous cold case from Baltimore that remains unsolved and is often discussed in true crime circles.
14-year-old Carolyn was found near railroad tracks. A mysterious clue—the name "Paul" written on her thigh in lipstick—has puzzled investigators for decades.
Several individuals have been identified as persons of interest in the Karolyn Hershea murder investigation. Some of the most notable suspects include:
In the years following her death, advocates have used stories like Karolyn’s to Karolyn Hershea Murder
However, the defense presented a different narrative. In criminal trials, the strategy often involves introducing reasonable doubt. The defense argued that the shooting was not premeditated murder, but rather an act committed in the heat of passion or self-defense, attempting to reduce the severity of the charge from murder to manslaughter or an acquittal.
In recent years, advances in forensic technology have allowed investigators to reexamine the evidence collected from the crime scene. In 2019, the FLPD's cold case unit reopened the Hershea case, utilizing new DNA analysis techniques and reviewing previously untested evidence. While these efforts have yielded some promising leads, the case remains unsolved.
If you are looking for a specific cold case or local news story not listed here, please check the spelling of the last name, as "Hershea" does not appear in major criminal databases or news archives. This is a famous cold case from Baltimore
The investigation revealed a "murder-for-hire" plot. Kenneth Stahl had allegedly hired a hitman and his mistress, Adriana Vasco, to kill his wife, only for the hitman to kill both of them.
It is possible the name is a misspelling of a known case. You may be looking for one of the following: Disappearance on a Honeymoon:
: This theory proposes that Hershea's killer was someone she knew, perhaps a friend, acquaintance, or romantic partner. Investigators have interviewed numerous individuals who fit this description, but none have been formally linked to the crime. Several individuals have been identified as persons of
: This theory suggests that Hershea's killer was a stranger who entered her apartment through an unlocked door or window. While police have found no evidence to support this theory, it remains a possibility.
After days of testimony and deliberation, the jury reached a verdict. Charles Lee was found guilty of second-degree murder. While this was a conviction for the killing, the distinction between first and second-degree murder is significant. First-degree murder implies a calculated, premeditated act, whereas second-degree murder acknowledges the intent to kill but without the premeditation, or acts committed in the heat of passion.