Robbery Gone Wrong? Goldie Fritz’s 1979 Death on the Potomac River

On the night of March 13, 1979, a chilling incident unfolded in a secluded area near the Potomac River in Washington County, Maryland, resulting in the tragic death of 21-year-old Goldie Fritz. The circumstances surrounding her demise, initially ruled a drowning, have remained a source of unanswered questions and a cold case for law enforcement. The Maryland State Police Homicide unit continues to seek information regarding this decades-old investigation, hoping to bring closure to the lingering mystery.

The events of that fateful evening began when Goldie Fritz and her boyfriend were parked in a remote location. Their quiet night was violently interrupted when an assailant reportedly approached them, armed with a firearm. According to initial reports, the perpetrator forced both individuals to lie face down on the ground. The boyfriend’s money was then taken before the couple was compelled to proceed towards the river. The assailant allegedly forced the boyfriend to swim across the Potomac River into West Virginia. Tragically, Goldie Fritz was later discovered in the river, and drowning was officially recorded as the cause of her death. The assailant, who accosted Goldie Fritz and her boyfriend, was never identified or apprehended. The motive behind the robbery and the subsequent events that led to Goldie Fritz’s death remain unclear, with the assailant’s identity being a central question in the ongoing investigation. The lack of immediate leads and the passage of time have made this case particularly challenging for investigators, who have consistently appealed to the public for any fragment of information that might shed light on what transpired that night.

The investigation into Goldie Fritz’s death has been a priority for the Maryland State Police Homicide unit. Despite extensive efforts over the years, the case has not yet been resolved. The Maryland State Police remain committed to pursuing all avenues of investigation in the hope of identifying the individual responsible for the robbery and Goldie Fritz’s death. They encourage anyone who may have witnessed any unusual activity in the remote area near the Potomac River on March 13, 1979, or who possesses any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Information can be provided to the Maryland State Police Homicide unit through their designated tip line or by contacting their main investigative division.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon official case files from Maryland State Police Homicide

---