Authorities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa have identified a teenager believed to have been murdered 49 years ago by a notorious California serial killer. Michael Ray Schlicht, 17, previously known as a “John Doe” homicide victim, was found in 1974 in what is now the city of Aliso Viejo, California. His death was initially ruled as accidental due to alcohol and diazepam intoxication, but investigators later classified it as a homicide. Schlicht’s body had remained unidentified for decades until a breakthrough was made using genetic genealogy.
In 1983, Randy Steven Kraft was arrested on murder charges and found to have a coded list believed to be of over 67 victims. He was convicted of 16 murders in 1989 and remains on death row. Investigators believe that Schlicht was one of Kraft’s early victims.
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Recently, investigators submitted tissue samples from Schlicht to Othram Laboratories to develop a DNA profile. In February, the DNA profile was received by the Cold Case Team of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Using investigative genetic genealogy, the team built Schlicht’s family tree and identified possible grandparents. They then obtained a DNA sample from a woman believed to be Schlicht’s mother, which positively identified John Doe as Schlicht.
Family members have been notified, and they are in the process of installing a headstone on Schlicht’s grave. Authorities are now focusing on investigating Schlicht’s homicide case and are encouraging anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
The identification of Michael Ray Schlicht brings closure to a decades-old mystery and highlights the advancements in genetic genealogy and forensic technology. The use of DNA profiles and genealogy databases has proven to be a powerful tool in solving cold cases and providing answers to families who have long sought justice for their loved ones.
