Arrest Made in Decades-Old Annapolis Cold Case

Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the unsolved homicide of Garnet Elizabeth Griffith, who was found deceased in January 1989. 

Investigators, working closely with multiple partner agencies, issued an arrest warrant for William Cook, Jr., who remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, in early October 2025. The following day, authorities located Cook, at a local residence and arrested him in connection with the decades-old case.

According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Griffith’s death was determined to be consistent with a gunshot wound. The case remained unresolved for over three decades until recent investigative efforts produced new leads. 

A statement read, “After years of reviewing evidence and following new leads, investigators were able to bring this case to a close. The dedication of all involved made this arrest possible.”

To view the charging documents, go to: State vs William Cook Jr