Mary Alice Pratt, 82, was found beaten to death in her home on the evening of Wednesday, June 3, 1998, in the 1300 block of Emerald Street NE in Northeast Washington, D.C. Two granddaughters, concerned after being unable to reach her, discovered the scene around 10 p.m.; police arrived about 10:30 p.m. and pronounced her dead at the scene. She suffered blunt force trauma and was found partially clothed on the first floor of her brick row house, which showed signs of a violent struggle.

Investigators reported no signs of forced entry, prompting family to believe she may have opened the door to someone she knew. Police considered robbery and sexual assault as possible motives; a ring reportedly was stolen from her hand during the murder. No arrests had been made and no suspects identified. A reward of $25,000 was later offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Did anyone in the neighborhood or family ever notice visitors or unusual activity at Grandma Pratt’s house around June 3, 1998?