Charles City Investigator helps solved 1979 cold case

Authorities in Charles City County have solved a cold case dating back to 1979.

In a press release from Charles City Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police contacted the sheriff’s office with information they received concerning an unidentified body that washed up on the shore of the James River off Sturgeon Point Road on Aug. 28, 1979. Charles City investigator Zohra Anwari handled the case, receiving information from Genetic Genealogy to help identify possible relatives of the deceased.

Anwari and a special agent with the Virginia State Police visited the only full blood living sister, who resided in Mechanicsville. After receiving information regarding the disappearance of her brother, a DNA sample was provided by the sister and sent off for analysis to be compared with skeletal remains that have been in possession of the medical examiner’s office in Richmond.

On Nov. 24, 2025, Anwari was contacted by the medical examiner’s office and confirmed that the DNA analysis was positive to be Nick Lopsis, who was reported missing on May 31, 1979. The investigator notified the next of kin to the positive identification.

“This is a testament to the dedication and commitment that Investigator Anwari gives to all of her cases, and especially this one to finally bring closure for the family,” said Charles City County Sheriff Jayson Crawley.