Davie, Florida — Authorities have cold-case detectives from the Davie Police Department to thank for resolving a 1987 murder, bringing closure to the family of 28-year-old Marilyn Decker. A DNA breakthrough linked the crime to the late Donald Lawless, who passed away in 1995. Police now suspect that Lawless may have committed additional murders.
Decker’s body was discovered on October 22, 1987, floating in a canal, wrapped in a large black industrial bag and stripped of her clothing from the waist down. Investigations revealed that she had been asphyxiated before suffering post-mortem mutilation. The case had remained unsolved for decades until it was reopened in 2021.
Detective Eddy Velazquez, who worked on the case, expressed his belief that Lawless had a pattern of violence. “Committing a murder at 62 indicates a long history of criminal behavior,” he said, adding that the nature of the crime bore the hallmarks of a serial killer. The detective emphasized the brutality involved, noting that the mutilation occurred after Decker’s death.
Decker’s life took a tragic turn in the months leading up to her death. Known to frequent a nearby laundromat, she had fallen into a dangerous crowd, succumbing to drug use after a promising start in her career as a veterinary technician earlier that year.
The investigation into Decker’s murder saw new life with the emergence of DNA evidence from hairs found on her clothing and a bloody towel at the scene. These samples were analyzed, revealing a match to Lawless. Research also uncovered his history of living in various states, including Ohio, where he died of natural causes.
Lawless’s criminal background spanned decades, including charges related to burglaries, thefts, and other violent crimes. Velazquez pointed out the close proximity of Lawless’s home to the laundromat frequented by Decker, suggesting a possible prior connection. The detective noted that Decker was last seen in the company of someone she felt comfortable with, leading her into a tragic fatal encounter.
Following the findings, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office determined that there was sufficient evidence to charge Lawless for his alleged role in Decker’s murder. Cold case detectives also believe that Lawless could have a broader history of violent crimes, potentially linked to killings in other states.
Velazquez claimed he is confident that Lawless is connected to other unsolved cases, stating, “I think he’s definitely involved in others—100%.” As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to uncovering the full extent of Lawless’s criminal actions and providing closure to the families of any additional victims.