Suvechha Sarkar
CBS’ ’48 Hours: Closing the Cold Case of Robin Lawrence’ sheds the spotlight on the heartbreaking case of 37-year-old Robin Warr Lawrence, who was killed in November 1994 in her home. The episode also features an emotional interview with her sister, Mary Warr Cowans, who was left shattered in the wake of the loss of her beloved sister. It delves deeper into the emotional toll it took on Robin’s loved ones and how they diligently fought for 30 years to see justice served. The new advancements in DNA technology also played a crucial role in solving the case.
Mary Warr Cowans Lost Robin in 1994 and Waited Nearly 30 Years for the Truth
While growing up, Mary Warr Cowans and her siblings, Robin, Dee Anna, and Robert Jr., had always been quite close to one another. So, when on November 20, 1994, she received the devastating call from her father, Robert E. Warr, that Robin was killed at her home in Springfield, Virginia, her entire world came crashing down. Unfortunately, during the initial investigation, the authorities were unable to find any solid leads that would help them identify a suspect. The family almost lost hope as the case went cold until, in 2019, the new detectives assigned to the case chose to use genetic genealogy to create a potential family tree for the person who could be the killer.
According to court records, almost three decades later, in August 2023, DNA technology led investigators to Stephan Smerk, who was then residing in New York. In September of the same year, he reportedly turned himself in and confessed to killing Robin. In his statements, he claimed that he had no connection to Robin and had randomly chosen her house on that fateful night. He was arrested and indicted on the charge of murder. In October 2024, Stephan pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. He received a life sentence with all but 70 years suspended in March 2025. After waiting for so many years, Mary felt that her sister had received justice.
Speaking on the matter, Mary expressed, “It brings some closure for me and for the family we’ve waited 30 years to achieve.” However, she had mentioned that it didn’t change the fact that they had lost their beloved Robin. She said, “It doesn’t bring Robin back to us. It doesn’t take away all the pain and suffering that we felt all of these years.” However, Mary also mentioned, “Now that this part of the trial is finished, the sentencing is finished, it gives us an opportunity to kind of return to what we remember, not just about how she died, but who she was.” It only highlighted that Mary had made up her mind that it was time for her and her family to hold the good memories of Robin close to their hearts.
Mary Warr Cowans Was a Board President Before Her Retirement
Mary Warr Cowans’ life had been completely upended when she lost her sister forever. Yet, instead of letting the tragic experience hold her back, she chose to channel her pain into purpose. Mary began her impressive academic journey in 1970 at Cornell University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition. After her graduation in 1974, she further expanded her knowledge by enrolling in a Master of Science program in Maternal and Child Nutrition at Syracuse University. Although Mary completed it by 1976, she didn’t step into her professional life until 1989. She started her career as the Bureau Director in the Division of Nutrition at the NYS Department of Health and served in the department diligently until 1993.
Mary moved on to join the New York State Department of Health as an Associate Director in the Division of Nutrition in 1994. She excelled in the role until 2010 before becoming the Board President of Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra in January 2012. In addition to her roles at those organizations, Mary has also been deeply involved in charitable causes. From time to time, she participates in various fundraisers for the National Kidney Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Advocates Foundation, among many others. However, she also never misses a chance to advocate for these causes and raise awareness among her friends and family. As of writing, Mary is enjoying her well-earned retirement, while carrying forward the lessons of resilience, love, and hope that defined her journey.
Mary Warr Cowans Finds Peace Through Her Familial Bonds and Traveling
Beyond her professional endeavors, Mary has not forgotten the memories of her little sister, Robin. While remembering her, she had expressed, “She was a good person, and she didn’t deserve what happened.” However, Mary has gradually learned to pick up the broken pieces of her heart surrounded by her loved ones. In July 1977, she tied the knot with her soulmate, Sam Cowans, in a breathtaking venue in the presence of her family and friends. Moreover, in 1986, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Lauren Ovans. Together, they have built a family of their own, with each other as their pillars of support. Aside from that, Mary not only maintains an incredible relationship with her parents, Robert E. and Jessie Mae Warr, but also with her siblings, Dee Anna and Robert Jr.
However, Mary faced another major heartbreak when her mother, Jessie, passed away on April 8, 2018. It left a void in her and her family’s hearts that will never be fulfilled. Despite her profound losses, Mary always seeks momentary solace on her voyage to different parts of the world. Over the years, she has traveled to several exotic locations, including the City of Love — Paris, the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, the historic charm of Wiltshire, England, and many more. In her free time, Mary can be found honing her singing skills, taking on multiple home improvement projects, practicing her golf game, or simply relaxing by the beach. Through all the pain and loss, Mary has continued to embrace life with grace and resilience. She persistently honors the past while also finding beauty in the present.
Read More: Ollie Lawrence: What Happened to Robin Lawrence’s Husband?
