23.02.2026 19:43
The murder of 13-year-old Sarah Geer, who was killed in California, USA, in 1982, was solved 44 years later using DNA technology. The perpetrator was identified thanks to a DNA sample obtained from a discarded cigarette butt. Sarah Geer had gone missing after leaving a friend's house and was found dead the next day.
The murder of 13-year-old Sarah Geer, who was killed in 1982 in the state of California, United States, has been solved after 44 years thanks to DNA technology. A genetic sample obtained from a discarded cigarette butt allowed for the identification of the killer.
MISSING IN 1982, FOUND DEAD THE NEXT DAY
Sarah Geer went missing after leaving a friend's house in the town of Cloverdale on May 23, 1982. The young girl's lifeless body was found the next morning by a firefighter. Although the incident was recorded as a murder, the case remained unsolved for many years due to the limited forensic capabilities of the time.
COLD CASE SOLVED WITH DNA
The investigation file was reopened years later. The DNA profile extracted from biological samples obtained from the crime scene was re-examined thanks to advancing technology. Authorities secretly collected DNA from 64-year-old James Oliver Unick, who was identified as a suspect. It was determined that the sample taken from the discarded cigarette butt matched the DNA found at the crime scene.
JURY FOUND HIM GUILTY
After the trial process, the jury found Unick guilty of murdering Sarah Geer on February 13. It was notable that the verdict was announced on Geer's 57th birthday. The prosecution stated that the murder was committed in conjunction with sexual assault.
Authorities emphasized that this decision is an important example not only for the Geer family but also for long-unsolved cases. It was stated that modern DNA and genetic genealogy techniques play a critical role in solving crimes from decades ago.
A decision regarding the defendant's sentence is expected to be announced in the upcoming process.