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Cigarette DNA Leads to Arrest in 44-Year-Old Cold Case of Teen Murder

KVIA•Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:55 PM•CNN Newsource

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In a significant breakthrough, authorities have identified and convicted James Unick for the 1982 murder of 13-year-old Sarah Geer in Cloverdale, California, using DNA evidence from a discarded cigarette. Sarah was last seen on May 23, 1982, and her body was discovered the following day, but the case remained unsolved for decades due to limited forensic technology. The investigation was reopened in 2021, leading to the collection of Unick's DNA, which matched evidence from the crime scene. Unick was found guilty on February 13, 2024, coinciding with what would have been Sarah's 57th birthday, and is set to be sentenced to life in prison without parole on April 23, 2024.

Key Details: • James Unick was convicted on February 13, 2024. • Sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2024. • The investigation was reopened in 2021 after advancements in forensic technology. • Unick's DNA matched evidence collected from Sarah's clothing. • The case highlights the effectiveness of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases.

justice murder cold-case forensics dna

People & Organizations

CaliforniaFBISarah GeerJames UnickChris ParkerCloverdale Police DepartmentCarla RodríguezCloverdale

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