In Northern California, police have arrested 62-year-old James Unick in connection with a 42-year-old cold case rape and murder of a teenage girl named Sara Ann Geer. The crime took place in 1982 in Cloverdale, 120 miles southwest of Unick’s home in Willows. Unick faces charges of murder, rape, lewd acts with a minor by force, kidnapping for molestation, and murder during a kidnapping. Recent advancements in DNA technology allowed authorities to identify a male DNA profile from evidence collected at the crime scene. By using genetic genealogy technology, police were able to track down Unick as a suspect. Unick was booked into the Sonoma County Jail and is being held without bail, although it is unclear if he has legal representation at this time.
The investigation into Sara Ann Geer’s murder was reignited in 2019, and in July 2021, with the help of a private investigation firm, police officially reopened the case. Authorities expressed frustration over misleading information posted on social media that could have compromised the integrity of the investigation. The arrest of Unick has brought a sense of closure and relief to the Geer family, and the community of Cloverdale has come together in support of the victim’s loved ones. The case serves as a reminder of the dedication of law enforcement officials to ensure safety and justice for all.
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