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Murder mystery: Police asking for information in 1972 cold case murder of 12-year-old girl from Fairfax Co.

On Nov. 29, 1972, Karen was last seen alive. She was found dead three days later in a wooded area located near what is now the Huntington Metro Station.
Credit: Fairfax Co. police

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — It's been 46 years since 12-year-old Karen Lee Spencer was last seen alive. 

Her body was found on Dec. 2, 1972 in the Huntington area of Fairfax County, Va., three days after she was last seen. 

RELATED: Fairfax County man arrested for 1999 abduction, police believe there may be more victims

Her murderer or murderers have never been caught, making her death one of Fairfax County's oldest cold cases. 

Police are once again reaching out to the public for any information that could help solve the mystery surrounding Karen's death. 

On Nov. 29, 1972, Karen was last seen alive. She was found dead three days later in a wooded area located near what is now the Huntington Metro Station. Police say her body was discovered by a group of boys. 

An autopsy revealed that Karen had died from blunt force trauma to the upper body. 

Karen lived in the 2500 block of Belleview Avenue and attended Hayfield Secondary School. 

Police said Karen often played with many kids from the neighborhood, including 16-year-old James “Jimmy” Edwards. According to police, Edwards died in the 1990s. 

Karen was also known to spend time in Fifer’s Field (near the wooded area where her body was found) and at the nearby Fairhaven 7-Eleven. 

If you have any information about this cold case, please contact the Fairfax County Police Department at 1-866-411-TIPS. 

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