**Breaking News: Cold Case from 1974 Finally Solved—Mary Kathleen Schliz’s Killer Identified and Arrested**

In a stunning breakthrough, authorities have identified and arrested John K. Miller, the man responsible for the brutal murder of 25-year-old Mary Kathleen Schliz, whose life was tragically cut short while hitchhiking in 1974. This long-cold case, which haunted the community for decades, has been reignited by advances in forensic genetic genealogy, culminating in Miller’s confession just days ago.

Mary, an aspiring artist, disappeared on February 15, 1974, after accepting a ride from Miller, who drove a blue Chevy Vega. What began as a routine hitchhiking trip turned into a nightmare as Miller violently attacked her, stabbing her 15 times before attempting to hide her body in a snowbank. Despite a witness’s sighting of Miller fleeing the scene, the case went cold as investigators struggled to find leads.

For years, the investigation remained stagnant, with the only clue being a black and orange hat found at the crime scene, containing hair samples that could not be matched to any known suspects. However, in 2022, a partnership with Ramapo College allowed detectives to utilize cutting-edge genetic techniques, leading them to a potential family tree linked to the crime.

On October 19, 2024, the chilling truth emerged when investigators confronted Miller, now 84 and living alone in Minnesota. He confessed to the murder, revealing that Mary’s refusal of his advances led to the fatal attack. Miller, who has a history of criminal behavior, was sentenced to life in prison on March 27, 2025, bringing a long-awaited sense of justice to Mary’s family.

As the community grapples with the horrifying details of this case, the Schliz family expressed gratitude for the relentless pursuit of justice, allowing them to finally remember Mary for the vibrant artist she was, rather than the tragic circumstances of her death.