UPDATE: Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.
More than a quarter of a century after a Lexington woman was found dead, there are still more questions than answers in the cold case. The homicide is the Blue Grass Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week.
"I truly believe that if somebody knows something, they could help," said Detective Kristyn Klingshirn of the Lexington Police Department.
The victim was 43-year-old Linda Rutledge.
Police say that on Nov. 7, 1998, they responded to help the Lexington Fire Department with a fire at a business on Malabu Drive. When they got there, they found a woman dead inside the back of the store, later confirmed to be Rutledge.
"We cover all the bases, with any fire, that's what we do. Anytime we find a body that's suspicious in nature we want to take the precautions that we can in the early stages so we cover all the bases on that so we don't have to come back and track backwards," said Sgt. Mark Barnard of the Lexington Police Department at the time.
According to LEX 18's reporting from 1998, police said the fire took place at her family's business, Nixon Hearing Aid Center, and that she was an employee.
Police say that when they found Rutledge's body at 121 Malabu Drive, they found injuries that were unrelated to the fire, prompting more questions.
"Ms. Rutledge's death has since been ruled a homicide, as an autopsy revealed she had been shot repeatedly," LEX 18 reported in a newscast just days later.
Her car had been found in a nearby apartment parking lot, and police believe she was killed the night before she was found.
It's still not known what exactly happened to Rutledge on that day and no suspect or suspects have ever been found. Klingshirn says since the homicide happened nearly 30 years ago, it's been difficult to trace back details.
"We've all become really dependent on technology. And cameras and things aren't as prevalent as they are now when this occurred," Klingshirn said.
But she says detectives aren't giving up on finding closure for her loved ones and urging anyone with information to come forward.
"If that were you or your child or somebody you loved, I think the last hope you would have would be to get some answers and some closure," Klingshirn said.
If you have any information, contact Bluegrass Crimestoppers at (859) 258-3600 or online at bluegrasscrimestoppers.com. You can always remain anonymous and tips are eligible for a cash reward.
Original Story:
The Lexington Police Department said they are continuing to search for answers in connection with a 1998 cold case after her body was found near a store in Lexington.
According to police, on Nov. 7, 1998, they responded to 121 Malibu Drive to assist the Lexington Fire Department with a structure fire. Firefighters found a woman's body near the back of Nixon's Hearing Aid.
Police said the dead woman was identified as Linda Rutledge, an employee, and the store owner's daughter. She was found dead with injuries unrelated to the fire. Her car was later found in a parking lot at a nearby apartment complex. Police believed she was killed the night before she was to open the business.
Detectives, according to police, are continuing to investigate and ask that anyone with information about the case call 859-258-3600. Anonymous tips can be sent to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at 859-253-2020 or online at www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com.
