84-Year-Old Man Arrested for 1974 Cold Case Murder in Wisconsin

Genetic genealogy led to the arrest of Jon K. Miller, who confessed to the murder of Mary K. Schlais after 50 years.

Mary K. Schlais was found dead on February 15, 1974, while hitchhiking from Minneapolis to Chicago for an art show.
Jon K. Miller, the suspect, was identified through advanced DNA technology and genealogy research, marking a first for the Dunn County Sheriff's Office.
Miller, who was adopted, presented a challenge in tracing his genealogy, but investigators overcame this with help from Ramapo College geneticists.
Miller confirmed his involvement in the murder after being tracked down in Owatonna, Minnesota, and is awaiting extradition to Wisconsin.
Schlais' family expressed relief and gratitude for the resolution of the case after decades of uncertainty.