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50-Year-Old Cold Case Solved with Genetic Genealogy
A 50-year-old cold case is solved using genetic genealogy, leading to the arrest of an 84-year-old man for the murder of Mary K. Schlais in 1974.
English
United States
Us PoliticsInvestigationMurderCold CaseDnaGenealogy
Dunn County Sheriff’s OfficeRamapo CollegeUs Department Of Justice
Mary K. SchlaisJon MillerKevin BygdDan WestlandJason Stocker
- How was the 50-year-old cold case solved?
- Genetic genealogy helped solve the 50-year-old cold case of Mary K. Schlais, who was found dead in 1974. An 84-year-old man, Jon Miller, was arrested and charged with her murder.
- How did the victim's family react to the news?
- Schlais' family expressed relief and gratitude upon learning of the arrest and the resolution of the decades-old case. Many of the detectives who worked on the case over the years have since passed away.
- What challenges were faced during the investigation?
- The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies over several decades, with various leads and tips explored. However, it wasn't until the use of genetic genealogy that a viable suspect was identified.
- What was the suspect's response to the investigators?
- Miller, who was adopted, confirmed his involvement in Schlais' homicide after investigators contacted him. Despite the challenges of his adoption in tracing his lineage, authorities were able to connect him to the crime.
- What role did genetic genealogy play in solving the case?
- The Dunn County Sheriff's Office utilized DNA evidence and collaborated with genetic genealogists at Ramapo College in New Jersey to identify Miller as a suspect. This is the first time the agency has used this technique to solve a case.