by Strasburg, VA – In a haunting cold case that has gripped Virginia for nearly three decades, police have finally arrested the killer of Sylena Jo Dalton, a 20-year-old mom found brutally murdered in her apartment in 1998. Despite this breakthrough, the fate of her 10-week-old baby, Allyson Kathleen Dalton, who mysteriously disappeared on the same day, remains unknown.
The recent arrest brings some relief to a case long shrouded in mystery and sorrow, but the disappearance of the infant continues to puzzle investigators and the community alike.
Breakthrough in a Long-Standing Murder Investigation
On July 27, 1998, Sylena Jo Dalton was discovered stabbed to death inside her Strasburg apartment by a friend. Tragically, her infant daughter Allyson was nowhere to be found. Now, Virginia State Police have apprehended Daniel E. Pompell, 56, charging him with the murder of Dalton.
- Pompell is alleged to be the child’s father.
- He was taken into custody on a recent Friday with one count of murder.
- Despite his earlier cooperation and claims of visiting the apartment the morning of the crime, his account has come under scrutiny.
Captain John Defilippi of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations remarked,
“We are pleased to be able to bring this case to this point and bring some overdue closure to the family of Sylena Jo Dalton. We are thankful for all the hard work agents and analysts put into this case to make this arrest possible.”
The Continuing Mystery of Baby Allyson
While the arrest marks a significant development, the whereabouts of baby Allyson have sadly remained a mystery for 27 years. The infant vanished from the apartment the day of her mother’s murder, and neither law enforcement nor family has been able to trace her fate since.
- No confirmed leads have surfaced regarding Allyson’s whereabouts over the decades.
- Pompell, despite being the father, has not provided information explaining the child’s disappearance.
The unresolved status of Allyson continues to weigh heavily on investigators and the community, underscoring the haunting nature of the case.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Actions
Authorities have intensively pursued this case, including utilizing DNA testing noted in 2021, although it remains unclear exactly how these results influenced the arrest of Pompell. The motive behind the murder has not been publicly disclosed.
Shenandoah County Commonwealth’s Attorney Elizabeth Cooper expressed commitment to justice, stating in a release,
“My office is prepared to continue in this effort and ensure justice is served on behalf of the victim and her family.”
- Pompell is held without bond in a Virginia jail as the case proceeds.
- The collaboration between the Virginia State Police and the Commonwealth’s Attorney has been crucial in advancing the investigation.
For more detailed information on this tragic case, visit the full report on The Independent.
What Lies Ahead for the Cold Case?
With the arrest made, the focus now turns to uncovering the truth about baby Allyson’s disappearance almost three decades ago. Investigators are expected to continue pursuing leads and seeking justice not only for Sylena Jo Dalton but also for the missing child.
This case highlights the relentless dedication of law enforcement and legal teams in seeking closure for victims and families of unsolved crimes.
Key Points to Remember:
- 1998: Sylena Jo Dalton is murdered; baby Allyson goes missing.
- 2023: Daniel E. Pompell, alleged father, arrested and charged with murder.
- Baby Allyson’s fate remains unknown after 27 years.
- Authorities continue investigations, committed to justice and resolution.
What do you think about this cold case breakthrough? Have you followed similar unsolved cases? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
