After an agonizing 50 years, a chilling murder mystery in Wisconsin has finally yielded to the power of modern forensic science. The death of 25-year-old Mary K. Schlais, found lifeless near an intersection in Spring Brook, Wisconsin on February 15, 1974, has haunted investigators for decades. Schlais, a hitchhiker en route to an art show in Chicago, met a tragic end, her death ruled a homicide. Despite countless hours of investigation and tireless efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies, no viable suspects emerged—until now.
In a breakthrough moment, Jon Miller, an 84-year-old man from Owatonna, Minnesota, was apprehended last November 7. Dunn County Sheriff Kevin Bygd revealed that Miller, currently in custody in Steele County, Minnesota, had confessed to his involvement in Schlais’ murder. Authorities are currently working on extraditing Miller to Wisconsin to face charges.
This arrest marks a historic moment for the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, signifying the first successful use of genetic genealogy in their investigations. The case, which had long remained a puzzle, saw traditional investigative methods fail to provide conclusive leads. However, a collaborative effort with genetic genealogists from Ramapo College in New Jersey finally brought about a breakthrough.
Utilizing DNA evidence from the case, the genetic genealogists embarked on a complex and meticulous process of tracing Miller’s identity. Genetic genealogy, a powerful technique that combines DNA analysis with thorough family history research, has proven to be a game-changer in solving cold cases. This process, though complex and often expensive, was made possible by the invaluable assistance provided by Ramapo College.
Sheriff Bygd highlighted the unique challenge presented by Miller’s adoption, which complicated the family lineage search. However, the dedicated team persevered, ultimately leading to Miller’s acknowledgement of his role in Schlais’ death.
Reflecting on this long-awaited resolution, Sheriff Bygd expressed his belief that the arrest might even bring a sense of relief to Miller himself. “I believe it’s got to even be a relief for him after 50 years of living with this. It’s had to have been on his mind almost every day. You would think anybody with a conscience, it would. So, I think he was done fighting it, personally,” Sheriff Bygd told CNN. This case serves as a powerful testament to the unwavering pursuit of justice and the incredible advancements in forensic science that are bringing closure to decades-old mysteries.
