After 40 years passed since the murder of a 24-year-old in rural Iowa, DNA research allowed law enforcement to arrest a suspect in the case as stated by the Linn County Sheriff’s Department.
Officials announced on Wednesday that 64-year-old Michael Schappert was taken into custody for the brutal murder of Ronald Lee Novak which occurred on December 23, 1983 in rural Walker, Iowa. Novak’s friend discovered him dead in an unheated room at his residence following a robbery and burglary according to a press release from officials.
According to officials Novak sustained beatings and gunshot wounds to his chest before being discovered with his hands tied behind his back. The medical examiner determined that Novak’s death resulted from a combination of injuries along with shock and hypothermia according to officials.
Investigators tested DNA from Novak’s clothing and the hammer suspected to be used in the attack throughout the last decade and a half. The DNA testing process resulted in Schappert being identified as the suspect according to Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks who announced this at Wednesday’s press conference.
Genetic genealogy which involves comparing unknown DNA to the DNA of family members who submitted their samples to a database helped authorities identify Schappert. DNA analysis led investigators to three brothers and further tests confirmed Schappert as the suspect.
Officials stated that Schappert currently resides in Fairview Oregon and that he and others likely planned to rob Novak of money and marijuana when they went to his home. The murder case of Novak remains unsolved because officials think an additional suspect participated in the crime.
Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner stated during the press conference that naming a suspect might trigger other people to provide information who previously remained silent or help them remember details after forty-one years.
Patti Wilson described the investigation as a prolonged journey for her family and expressed how uncertain she was about seeing this day arrive. Hope for finding an answer seemed to fade away. I wanted it so bad. Wilson expressed hope for the upcoming trial.
Wilson explained that her brother was elusive while they remain uncertain about his company at the time of his death since the family did not recognize Schappert. Mr. Novak’s family members have suffered through pain and trauma because his murder case remained unsolved for over 40 years. Gardner said that strength is required to survive extreme difficulties while keeping faith that eventually justice will prevail over the responsible party or parties.
Schappert faces first-degree murder charges while he waits in the Multnomah County Detention Center in Portland, Oregon until an extradition hearing will send him back to Linn County, Iowa according to officials.
Details about whether Schappert has hired an attorney to represent him were not immediately known.
People who possess new information about the investigation or know additional potential suspects in this case should reach out to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.