Decades Later: DNA Evidence Uncovers Breakthrough in California’s Teen Murder and Sexual Assault Case

Police in Arizona have arrested a man in a decades-old cold case involving the murder and assault of two teenagers in California. This case dates back to December 19, 1984, when the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting in Burney, California. Two 18-year-olds, male and female, were found in a parked car. The male, Terrance Arndt, had a gunshot wound and later died in the hospitalPolice in Arizona have arrested a suspect in a cold case that has haunted a community for nearly four decades. The case involves the tragic murder and assault of two teenagers in Burney, California, back in December 1984.

On that fateful night, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office responded to an emergency call and discovered 18-year-old Terrance Arndt alongside a female companion in a parked car. Sadly, Arndt had suffered a gunshot wound and later died in the hospital. The young woman endured a horrifying assault but managed to escape and find help.

Sheriff Michael L. Johnson noted that the crime deeply affected the community. Arndt was a promising athlete, and both families have carried the weight of this tragedy for years.

In the aftermath, detectives dedicated thousands of hours to solving the case. Forensic evidence was collected, and a DNA profile for the suspect was created. However, the investigation hit a dead end, as there were no matches in the national DNA database.

Recently, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office revisited the case using advanced forensic genetic genealogy. This new approach led them to Roger Neil Schmidt Sr., now 64 years old. Schmidt, who lived in Burney in 1984, bore a strong resemblance to a sketch based on the female victim’s account.

When detectives located Schmidt in Tucson, Arizona, they obtained a DNA sample that matched the profile linked to the crime. He was arrested and charged with murder and sexual assault. During his court appearance, Schmidt was seen in a wheelchair and using supplemental oxygen, suggesting a decline in health over the years.

Experts emphasize the significance of advances in forensic technology. According to a report by the National Institute of Justice, genealogical DNA testing is helping to solve cold cases that once seemed impossible. The power of modern science has the potential to bring closure to many unresolved cases.

Sheriff Johnson expressed hope that this arrest would bring some peace to the families affected. While the resolution is important, it doesn’t erase the painful memories or the trauma they experienced.

Overall, this case is a poignant reminder of how advancements in technology can finally bring long-awaited justice.



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DNA Testing, Arizona, DNA, California, Genetic Genealogy