16-Year-Old Dancer Found Stabbed in Own Home
Meghan Landowski, a vibrant 16-year-old from Portsmouth, Virginia, was more than just a high school student; she was a talented performing artist with dreams that extended beyond the dance floor. Tragically, Meghan's promising life was cut short by a brutal crime that not only ended her bright future but also left a lasting scar on the Portsmouth community.
Days of Darkness
Despite her bubbly exterior, Meghan experienced personal traumas, including sexual abuse by Robert Hicke, her stepfather's best friend. Despite her struggles, she was known for her grace and kind heart, and many thought she had a promising future ahead.
On April 10, 2008, the unthinkable happened: Meghan was found brutally murdered in her own home, a place that should have been her sanctuary. Tragically discovered by her stepfather, the crime scene revealed a horrific struggle; Meghan had been sexually assaulted and had approximately 40 stab wounds, indicating a violent attack that left the community in shock and sorrow.
The Chilling Investigation
The police launched an extensive investigation, initially casting a wide net over various leads, including Meghan's acquaintances and friends. Robert Hicke was initially believed to be the perpetrator but was cleared by a DNA test, so the investigation continued. After a memorial event, Meghan's former bus driver told police there had been a young teen on his route named Robert Barnes, a talented violinist, who seemed interested in Landowski.
"He'd practice on the bus with us on the way home," one of Landowski's friends recalled, as reported by Oxygen True Crime. "He was really, really good. He was a nice guy. He was normal, he blended in, and he made good grades."
The driver didn't believe Landowski reciprocated feelings for Barnes.
Justice Served Cold
When questioned by police, Barnes initially cooperated but aroused suspicion by attempting to mislead investigators with a false DNA sample. Barnes eventually confessed to being at the scene but concocted a story involving a masked man forcing him to assault Meghan.
Upon further investigation, forensic evidence and digital traces on his computer pointed directly to Barnes as the sole perpetrator. Based on evidence found on his computer, Barnes showed an unhealthy fascination with breaking into homes and violent crimes. Investigators said that he was "very much into a fantasy world of breaking into houses and committing rape," as reported by Oxygen True Crime. He even went so far as to photoshop his own image into crime stories about breaking and entering and sexual assault.
Barnes ultimately admitted guilt to charges of first-degree murder, attempted rape, aggravated sexual battery, abduction, and statutory burglary. In 2009, when he was 17 years old, he received a sentence of 148 years, with 106 years suspended, resulting in an effective prison term of 42 years.
Mourning a Bright Life Cut Short
The murder of Meghan Landowski remains a poignant reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk even in the most familiar places. It underscores the vital role of the community in supporting investigations to ensure justice is served for such tragic crimes.
References: 16-Year-Old Dancer Found Stabbed to Death in Her Own Home: "Hug Your Children" | Inside the mind of a killer: The murder of 16-year-old Meghan Landowski
