April 14, 2008 Update

Homicide detectives have identified Gordon Franklin McMullen (B/M, 12/29/1960) as the individual charged with the murder of Mildred Clontz. While Robbery detectives have completed identification lineups with other potential victims, they continue to investigate those cases.

McMullen is a habitual felon whose previous convictions include credit card theft, larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon and forgery/counterfeiting. He was released from prison March 8, 2007 after serving 20 years.

Suspect Arrested for Murder of Mildred Clontz

April 10, 2008

CMPD Homicide detectives arrested today the individual they have evidence to believe was responsible for the murder of 92-year-old Mildred Clontz. The suspect's identity is being temporarily withheld because detectives are conducting line ups with robbery victims in other cases to determine whether the individual is responsible for these other crimes. We will release the suspect's identity once we know it will not compromise the opportunity to connect him any of these other cases. We can tell you the suspect is a career criminal and his history includes serving 20 years in prison for armed robbery.

Ms. Clontz had just returned to her home on Knickerbocker Drive Sunday night, April 6, 2008. Before she could close the door, the suspect followed her into her residence, stabbed her and stole her pocketbook. Ms. Clontz was able to call 911 and she was transported to Carolinas Medical Center where she later died.  

Should they obtain it through unofficial channels, we are asking media outlets to refrain from publicizing a suspect name or photo until detectives have an opportunity to complete the witness identification portion of the investigation. To publish that information prematurely would jeopardize those cases.