After 40 years, police in Iowa say that they have solved a murder that had long baffled authorities.
Michael S. Schappert, 64, of Fairview, Oregon, faces murder charges related to the December 1983 death of Ronald Lee Novak, police said. Novak, who was 24 at the time of his death, was found beaten and bound in an unheated room at a home in rural Iowa. Police said he also had been shot once in the chest.
"We recognize the pain and trauma that Mr. Novak's loved ones have endured for more than 40 years while his murder went unsolved. It takes strength to endure such hardship and to remain hopeful that someday the person or persons responsible would be caught and brought to justice," said Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner.
Novak died from his injuries, shock, and hypothermia, according to the medical examiner. Police said that DNA evidence led them to Schappert. They said that touch DNA found on Novak's clothing and a hammer police believe was used in the assault tied Schappert to the murder.
The arrest of Schappert surprised his Oregon neighbors.
"I was shocked because I don't see that in him," Schappert's neighbor Teresa Reittig told KCRG-9. "We have always been helpful to one another. He's always been helpful, kind, hard-working. Just a very nice person."
Police believe that back in 1983, Schappert, and possibly others went to Novak's home to rob him of money and marijuana. Police said the case remains open.
