Press Release
Charges Announced in 1986 Cold Case Homicide
September 22, 2026
Baltimore, Md. (September 21, 2026) – Today, State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates announced charges against Defendant David Alexander Williams for the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Teresa Ann Houck, who was found deceased in Druid Hill Park in October 1986. The Defendant is charged with First-Degree Murder and related charges. Individuals charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial. Cold Case Unit Chief Kurt Bjorklund will prosecute this case,
“Nearly forty years may have passed, but our commitment to seeking justice for Ms. Houck and her loved ones has never wavered. What began as an unspeakable act of violence, with evidence of an apparent sexual assault, ultimately provided the critical lead that allowed investigators to identify a suspect and bring this case before the courts. This arrest is a testament to the relentless determination of our law enforcement partners and the advancements in forensic technology that continue to give new hope to families who have waited decades for answers,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “I want to commend Chief Bjorklund for his tireless efforts and the diligent work of our partners at BPD. To the victim’s loved ones, I want you to know that your loved one has not been forgotten, and neither has our responsibility to pursue justice on their behalf. No amount of time can erase that obligation, and we will continue working to ensure that those responsible for violent crimes are held accountable, no matter how many years have passed.”
On October 22, 1986, at approximately 10:30 a.m., 23-year-old Teresa Ann Houck was found deceased in Druid Hill Park lying in a grassy area near the intersection of Red Run and Hanlon Drive, nude from the waist down and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, neck, and chest. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation established that Ms. Houck was employed as a dancer at the Pussycat Club, located in the 400 block of East Baltimore Street in Baltimore City. Ms. Houck’s automobile was found in a parking lot near the intersection of Baltimore Street and Holiday Street, a short distance from her place of employment, indicating she was likely transported from the area to Druid Hill Park by other means. Coworkers and acquaintances reported that Ms. Houck left the Pussycat Club on October 22, 1986, at approximately 2:00 a.m., and was never seen alive again.
Detectives submitted a laboratory request to the Biology Unit to analyze the oral and vaginal swabs for potential suspect DNA. On May 26, 2005, scientists identified spermatozoa on the vaginal swabs, and a portion was cut for DNA analysis. Forensic biology analysis was performed on the vaginal swabs and yielded a DNA mixture consisting of a male DNA profile. The DNA profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). On September 18, 2025, a CODIS “Hit Letter” issued by the Maryland State Police indicated that a routine search of the Maryland DNA Database resulted in a high-stringency match between David Alexander Williams (DNA collected on July 1, 2025) and the full DNA male profile that was identified on the vaginal swabs recovered from Ms. Houck.
Based on the facts of the investigation, on May 8, 2026, a search and seizure warrant was issued authorizing the collection of DNA via oral buccal swabs from David Alexander Williams for comparison and confirmation with the DNA recovered from Ms. Houck’s vagina during her autopsy. On May 12, investigators collected DNA samples from Mr. Williams in accordance with standard procedure. The buccal swabs collected from the Defendant were submitted to the Baltimore Police Department’s Crime Lab, where a comparison was then conducted, confirming the Defendant as the sole contributor of the spermatozoa recovered from the vagina of Ms. Houck during her autopsy in 1986.