Full Breakdown
Virginia Beach Cold Case Solved: Charles Berry Arrested for 1986 Murder of Roberta Walls
5/21/2026, 7:41:45 AM
The 1986 Murder and Recent Arrest
On May 15, 1986, 22-year-old Roberta Walls’ body was found in a field behind Old Donation Elementary School in Virginia Beach. After decades of investigation, 66-year-old Charles Berry of Newington, Connecticut, was arrested on a Virginia Beach warrant for rape and capital murder. Newington police processed him and transferred him to court.
Forensic Breakthroughs and Timeline
Investigators built a male DNA profile from the 1986 evidence in 2001, but no match emerged after testing over 30 men. A 2017 DNA-based sketch narrowed the suspect pool. A 2023 grant funded forensic genealogy, which directly linked Berry’s DNA to the crime scene. Key dates: 1986 – body found; 2001 – DNA profile; 2017 – sketch; 2023 – genealogy grant; May 19 – Berry’s arrest announced.
Key Figures and Agencies
Roberta Walls, a library employee, was the victim. Charles Berry, a former U.S. Navy sailor stationed near the crime scene, is the suspect. Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate, Deputy Chief Jeffrey Wilkerson, and Detective Angela Curran led the investigation. The Newington Police Department executed the arrest in coordination with Virginia Beach authorities.
Data, Charges, and Legal Status
Walls was 22; Berry is 66. DNA testing eliminated more than 30 male candidates before identifying Berry. A grand jury indicted him on rape and capital-murder charges; bail was set at $2 million. Court records do not confirm whether Berry has retained counsel.
Why It Matters
The case demonstrates that forensic genealogy can revive cold investigations, delivering closure for families and reinforcing confidence that decades-old violent crimes can still be solved.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Neudigate said the breakthrough offers hope to families awaiting justice and underscores the department’s commitment to persistent investigation. Deputy Chief Wilkerson noted Berry was unknown to Walls and likely met her only on the night of the murder. Newington police described the arrest as a coordinated effort with Virginia Beach and confirmed Berry’s transport to court.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source lists the arrest date as May 18 2026, likely a typographical error compared with other reports of a May 19 arrest. Berry’s legal representation status remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's incredibly scary for the community to think that someone who would rape and brutally murder someone 40 years ago was out in society,” — Paul Neudigate, Virginia Beach Police Chief
- “Our suspect was unknown to Roberta, we believe, until the day of the murder,” — Jeffrey Wilkerson, Virginia Beach Police Deputy Chief
- “This breakthrough stands as a powerful testament to the relentless persistence of our detectives, who refused to let Roberta be forgotten,” — Virginia Beach Police Department statement
- “I want to solve them. All the years on him doesn't really matter. I don't care if it was yesterday or 31 years ago. We just want to solve them all,” — Angela Curran, Virginia Beach Police Detective
What's Next
Berry’s extradition to Virginia awaits Connecticut court approval; he will then face trial on rape and capital-murder charges.
