More than 30 years after the tragic death of Robert Spann, a young and ambitious law school graduate, his murder continues to puzzle law enforcement and disturb the community. Spann, who was found dead in his home in 1990, had his life brutally cut short just as he was about to embark on a legal career dedicated to serving others.

Robert Spann, aged 27 at the time of his death, was a notable figure among his peers at the William Mitchell College of Law, now known as Mitchell Hamline. As the president of the Black Law Students Association, Spann was not only a leader but also an inspiration, having aspired to become a lawyer since childhood with a vision to help others. His dreams were abruptly halted before he could even take the bar exam.

The circumstances of his death are chilling. Spann lived with his girlfriend, a city attorney for Minneapolis, and her teenage son, who discovered Spann's body after returning from school on November 6, 1990. The crime scene indicated a violent struggle; Spann had been both shot and stabbed. Investigators speculated that robbery might have been a motive as various items of value were missing from the residence.

This case, highlighted on a cold case playing card distributed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, remains open and unsolved. On the anniversary of his death, St. Paul police and spokesperson Alyssa Arcand reiterated the impact of this unresolved case, stating, "Thirty-five years without closure for this case is 35 years too long. Even the smallest piece of information could lead to justice for Robert.”

The St. Paul police continue their plea to the public, urging anyone with any information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward and contact them at 651-266-5650. The hope is that new evidence or leads will surface, bringing closure to this long-standing mystery and offering some solace to those affected by this tragedy.

For further details, the Pioneer Press provides extensive coverage of this case, documenting the ongoing efforts to solve this cold case and the community's plea for closure.

The unsolved case of Robert Spann serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the persistent quest for justice in the face of adversity. As the years pass, the determination to resolve this mystery only strengthens, fueled by the memory of a man who aspired to use his legal expertise to aid others, a dream tragically cut short.