OWATONNA, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — On February 15, 1974, Mary K. Schlais was found dead in an intersection in Spring Brook Township, Dunn County, Wisconsin. An investigation revealed that it was a homicide.
Schlais had been hitchhiking to Chicago for an art show when she met her demise. Over the years, investigators tracked leads and conducted interviews but were unable to identify a suspect.
In 2009, Schlais’ body was exhumed, and DNA testing allowed authorities to identify Randall Woodfield as a potential suspect in 2011. However, he was never further connected to or charged with Schlais’ slaying due to lack of evidence linking him directly to the crime scene.
Fast forward to Thursday when investigators used genetic evidence to find Jon Miller from Owatonna, Minnesota. Authorities collected hairs from a stocking cap found near Schlais’ body in 1974 and developed a DNA profile of the suspect.
After interviewing and collecting DNA from multiple potential relatives, authorities were led to Miller’s daughter, who provided her genetic profile. Research indicated that the hair belonged to her biological father, Jon Miller.
When confronted with the evidence, Miller initially denied knowing about Schlais’ killing but eventually admitted to picking up Schlais while she was hitchhiking and asking for “sexual contact.” He claimed that when she said no, he grabbed a knife from his car and fatally stabbed her in the back.
Miller also confessed to hiding Schlais’ body in a snowbank after attempting to pull off the highway. However, upon seeing another vehicle approaching, Miller panicked and left the area without disposing of the body properly.
Schlais had multiple stab wounds when she was found dead, including defensive wounds on her hands.
The investigation led authorities to arrest Miller following an interview with investigators at his residence in Owatonna. He is currently being held at the Steele County Jail awaiting extradition to Wisconsin.
Chris Harper reporting for trfnews.i234.me