Teen Murdered in 1974 Identified Decades Later, also Suspected to be a Possible Victim of Serial Killer, Randy Kraft

After nearly 50 years of mystery, the identity of a murdered teen found in Southern California in 1974 has been brought to light. Authorities have confirmed that the victim is Michael Ray Schlicht, a 17-year-old from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This groundbreaking identification was made possible by the power of investigative genetic genealogy.

Schlicht's body was discovered in 1974, and his death was initially attributed to accidental alcohol and diazepam intoxication. However, further investigations in the 1980s revealed that several similar deaths in the area were actually homicides, and Schlicht's case was reopened.

The connection to notorious serial killer Randy Kraft emerged when investigators noted that Schlicht's body was found within close proximity to the locations of Kraft's known victims. 

Kraft, dubbed "The Scorecard Killer" for his meticulous records of his crimes, was convicted in 1989 for the murders of 16 men in Southern California, but authorities believe he may have killed up to 60 people between 1972 and 1983.

Using genetic material from Schlicht's remains, investigators were able to identify his grandparents through a DNA profiling process. 

With this information, they contacted a granddaughter of the couple, who revealed that her brother, Michael Ray Schlicht, had been missing since 1974. Subsequent DNA testing confirmed that the unidentified body was indeed Schlicht.

Schlicht's death is now being investigated as a homicide, and authorities believe that Kraft may be responsible. This identification brings renewed hope for the families of Kraft's victims, and it may lead to further revelations about the serial killer's crimes.

 

[SOURCE]