HAMPTON, Va. – A Hampton police officer was recently selected as the department’s ‘Top Cop’ after identifying a suspect in a cold case that went unsolved for more than 30 years.
The case from 1981 involved the murder of Hampton elementary school teacher Olivia Christian.
Four years ago, Mayer took the file home one weekend to review on his own time.
“I believed there was enough in there to look into it a little bit further,” said Mayer.
Years of hard work paid off last December when a suspect was arrested.
“I just can’t imagine what families go through not knowing, not having those answers and that motivates me to look into them more,” Mayer said.
While the case is one of his proudest accomplishments, it’s just one example of the important role he’s had with the department.
He primarily works in the SVU, investigating sexual assaults and violent crimes against children.
It takes a lot of hard work, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’m actually doing my dream job now,” Mayer said.
In a letter nominating Mayer for the ‘Top Cop’ award, the Hampton Police Chief described Mayer as a highly dedicated officer who has a passion for ensuring justice is served.
