Murder of 16-year-old high school student solved, authorities say

Publish date: 2024-08-29

A second suspect was identified in connection to the murder of a 16-year-old high school student from Maryland who went missing more than 50 years ago, according to authorities.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department on Monday announced Donald Willard as the second suspect in the death of Pamela Lynn Conyers.

The news comes about a year after authorities identified the first suspect as Forrest Clyde Williams III.

The men are both dead, said police, with Willard dying in 2010, and Williams dying in 2018.

Forrest Clyde Williams III

Donald Willard

Even though both suspects passed away, police said they are still working to piece together what led up to Conyers' murder. They also are investigating if the suspects are connected to other crimes.

It's not too late to come forward with information," Justin Mulcahy, who is a spokesman for Anne Arundel police said during a news conference.

Police said Conyers attended a bonfire and pep rally at Glen Burnie High School before driving to Harundale Mall. She returned home before leaving to run an errand for her mother in their family car on Oct 16, 1970.

"That would be the last known sighting of Pam," Mulcahy said, with her parents filing a missing persons report.

Four days later, he said, her body was found near her abandoned car. He said an autopsy was performed, with medical examiners ruling she was strangled to death. She was also sexually assaulted.

Police said DNA was found at the scene. More than 50 years later, the suspects were identified based on advanced technology and the use of Forensic Genetic Genealogy.

If the suspects were still alive, said police, they would be facing murder charges. The investigation is ongoing in hopes of learning more about the case.

"Pam still deserves all of our best efforts to learn what happened to her," FBI Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Rothrock said.

Anyone who has information about the case or suspects is urged to contact the Anne Arundel County Police Department at 410-222-4731. Callers may remain anonymous and call the TipLine at 410-222-4700.

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