Man accused of fatally shooting police officer girlfriend with her own department-issued weapon 30 years ago

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (TCN) -- Authorities recently arrested a 62-year-old man on suspicion of fatally shooting his police officer girlfriend with her department-issued weapon nearly three decades ago.

According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, on Sept. 16, 1995, 24-year-old Denna Campbell was found deceased with five gunshot wounds. She was reportedly a four-year veteran of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department, and her work-issued handgun was missing.

Campbell’s boyfriend, Amir Ali, who went by Kenneth Wonsom in 1995, allegedly told officials he left the home after 3 a.m. to go to the store, and when he returned, he discovered Campbell unresponsive and called 911 to report a burglary and shooting. Authorities initially charged Wonsom in 1995, but the charges were dropped two months later.

According to a police report reviewed by The Associated Press, Campbell had told co-workers she was afraid of her boyfriend and slept with her firearm under her pillow. She allegedly planned to leave Ali and said, "If I don’t show up for work Saturday, you’ll know he killed me and buried me somewhere."

Police reportedly found no evidence of a burglary and believe Campbell had been shot with her own gun. Due to DNA evidence, investigators determined Ali allegedly bled after a dispute with Campbell.

In 2021, Wonsom legally changed his name to Amir Ali. According to police, investigators reviewed evidence and details from original case files and obtained a warrant for Ali’s arrest on Aug. 3. Officials took him into custody on Aug. 5.

In a statement, Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada said, "Our detectives showed true grit and determination, never giving up as they continued to re-examine evidence and follow leads as they emerged. This arrest represents significant progress in a long-standing investigation, and we hope that it brings some measure of closure to Officer Campbell’s family, friends, and fellow officers who have waited three decades for justice."

Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith added, "This arrest is a powerful reminder that Officer Campbell’s life and service have not been forgotten, and it speaks volumes to the dedication and persistence of the investigators working this case. My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Campbell’s family and friends, and I hope today’s news can provide healing."

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