How Did Police Solve Decades-Old Rape and Murder of 13-Year-Old Calif. Girl?

Police said the suspect was charged with murder, rape, kidnapping and lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14 by force

Police in Northern California have arrested a man after making a breakthrough in a 1982 cold case killing.

The Cloverdale Police Department announced on social media that officers apprehended James Unick, 62, from Willows, Calif., in connection with the 1982 killing of 13-year-old Sarah Ann Geer.

Police said Unick was charged with murder, rape, kidnapping and lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14 by force, and he was booked into the Sonoma County Jail. Police shared a photo of officers arresting the 62-year-old, who was handcuffed and being led to the back of a police car.

It's not immediately clear if Unick has entered a plea or retained an attorney.

The investigation into Geer’s death was reopened in July 2021, according to a press release from police. After “meticulously reviewing evidence and conducting interviews,” investigators eventually identified a strain of male DNA in the evidence, which they put through genetic genealogy technology to identify Unick as the alleged killer.

“You get a pool of people and chip away at the folks who are there,” Cloverdale Police Chief Chris Parker told The Press Democrat. “Then you investigate and see if they were alive, if they had the ability to commit the crime, if they were of age.”

He did not provide additional information about how the crime may have unfolded, but told the outlet that he expected the evidence to hold up at trial.

In a separate statement shared on the police department’s social media, Parker said that Unick’s arrest “represents a bittersweet victory for justice.”

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“While nothing can undo the pain inflicted upon the Geer family and our community, we can finally offer some solace in knowing that the perpetrator will be held accountable,” he continued. “This arrest is a testament to the dedication of our law enforcement agencies and the unwavering resolve of Cloverdale's citizens.”

Parker told the Press Democrat that Geer’s uncle was notified about the arrest and he, along with the rest of her family, is “very appreciative."

Cloverdale Mayor Todd Lands shared in a separate statement provided by police: "Today, we stand united in solidarity with the Geer family as we witness the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance by our law enforcement officials. This arrest signifies not only a step towards closure but also a reiteration of our commitment to ensuring safety and justice for all in Cloverdale."

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

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