Arrest Made in 27-Year-Old Murder of Sylena Jo Dalton; Child Still Missing

After nearly three decades of uncertainty and heartbreak, a major development has emerged in one of Virginia’s longest-standing cold cases. Daniel E. Pompell, 56, of Culpeper, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the 1998 death of 20-year-old Sylena Jo Dalton, whose case had remained unsolved for 27 years.

Pompell, who was taken into custody without incident on September 26, is the father of Allyson Kathleen Dalton, Sylena’s then 10-week-old daughter, who was reported missing at the time of the murder and has never been found.

DANIEL POMPELL. Photo courtesy of RSW Jail.

“This arrest marks a major step in the 27-year investigation,” said Captain John Defilippi of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Culpeper Field Office. “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.”

The Crime That Shocked a Community

On July 27, 1998, Sylena Jo Dalton was found stabbed to death inside her apartment in Strasburg, Virginia. The discovery was made by a friend. Her infant daughter, Allyson Kathleen Dalton, was missing from the scene and has never been located. Despite extensive searches and national attention, Allyson’s whereabouts remain unknown to this day.

20-year-old Sylena Jo Dalton and 2-month-old Allyson. Photo courtesy of Virginia State Police.

The case has haunted the Shenandoah Valley for nearly three decades, not only because of the brutal nature of the crime, but also due to the unresolved fate of the missing child.

A Break in the Case

Virginia State Police say the long-awaited arrest is the result of dedicated efforts by agents from the Culpeper Field Office, as well as analysts from the Homeland Security Division’s Violent Crime Analytical Support Team.

The Virginia Office of the Attorney General played a significant role, providing funding through the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), a statewide effort to reexamine unsolved sexual assault and violent crime cases. Additional assistance came from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Shenandoah County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

“This arrest was the result of years of tireless work and a deep commitment to finding justice for Sylena,” said Shenandoah County Commonwealth’s Attorney Elizabeth Cooper. “My office is prepared to continue in this effort and ensure justice is served on behalf of the victim and her family.”

Next Steps in the Case

The Shenandoah County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will be prosecuting the case. As of today, Pompell remains in custody, charged with one count of murder. There is no word yet on whether additional charges related to Allyson’s disappearance may be forthcoming.

Officials have not yet disclosed what new evidence or information specifically led to Pompell’s arrest, but sources close to the investigation have credited modern forensic analysis and reexamination of decades-old materials for bringing the case back to life.

Allyson Kathleen Dalton Still Missing

The fate of Allyson Kathleen Dalton remains the most haunting question in this tragic case. Missing since she was just over two months old, she would now be 27 years old. In past years, age-progression photos and national media attention helped keep her case in the public eye, though no verified sightings have ever been confirmed.

Authorities have renewed their appeal to the public for any information about Allyson’s disappearance. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact the Virginia State Police or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

A Family’s Long Wait for Justice

For the family of Sylena Jo Dalton, the arrest brings a mixture of relief and continued sorrow. While a long-awaited step toward justice has finally been taken, the mystery of what happened to Allyson remains an open and deeply painful wound.

(Taken from press release)