In the quiet town of Warrenton, Virginia, a grim discovery was made on the evening of July 26, 2017. The body of 64-year-old Rex Mack Olsen, a male, was found near a dumpster behind the CVS pharmacy where he worked as the manager. An investigation was immediately launched, and it was soon determined that Olsen's death was not accidental but a homicide. He had been fatally shot in the head and face.
Suspicion quickly fell upon Bernard Duse, Jr., the assistant manager at the same CVS.
Investigators uncovered evidence that suggested Duse's involvement in the crime. A significant piece of evidence was the cell tower data that showed both Olsen's and Duse's phones traveling together after the time of the murder, heading in the direction of Duse's residence. This contradicted the initial narrative and pointed towards a sinister turn of events.
The motive for this tragic incident appeared to stem from professional jealousy, as it was reported that Duse had been passed over for a promotion at the store. The case against him was further solidified by DNA evidence. A DNA mixture found in the victim's pants pocket, where he was known to keep his cellphone, contained DNA from both Olsen and Duse. This physical evidence directly linked the suspect to the victim at the time of the crime.
Bernard Duse, Jr. was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder. His trial commenced in the summer of 2018. During the proceedings, the prosecution presented the compelling cell tower and DNA evidence to the jury. After deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict on August 3, 2018, convicting Duse of the first-degree murder of Rex Olsen. Following the conviction, the jury recommended a sentence of life in prison for his role in the death of his former manager.
