84-Year-Old Arrested in 1974 Cold Case Murder Through Genetic Genealogy

Jon K. Miller was linked to the murder of Mary Schlais after DNA from a decades-old crime scene was matched with his genetic profile.

Mary Schlais, a 25-year-old artist, was found murdered in Dunn County, Wisconsin, in 1974 while hitchhiking to an art show in Chicago.
A stocking cap with hairs left at the crime scene provided no leads until recent advancements in genetic genealogy were applied.
Investigators partnered with Ramapo College to trace the suspect's family lineage, leading them to Jon K. Miller, who was adopted.
Miller, living in Owatonna, Minnesota, confessed to the murder when confronted with the DNA evidence.
The arrest brings closure to a case that has remained unsolved for 50 years, with authorities noting the relief felt by Schlais' family.