Wisconsin Man Charged in 1985 Cold Case Murder of College Student

In a significant breakthrough in a decades-old cold case, authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with a gruesome murder that occurred nearly 40 years ago. Michael Raymond Popp, a 60-year-old resident of Tomah, Wisconsin, faces charges of first-degree murder for the 1985 killing of Terry Dolowy, a 24-year-old college student.

The case, which had remained unsolved for almost four decades, highlights the advancements in forensic science and DNA technology that have revolutionized criminal investigations since the 1980s. DNA profiling, first developed in 1984, has become a crucial tool in solving cold cases and exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals.

Dolowy, originally from River Forest, Illinois, was a senior at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse when she disappeared on February 14, 1985. Days later, her decapitated and burning body was discovered in a roadside culvert in Vernon County, Wisconsin. The gruesome nature of the crime shocked the community and left investigators puzzled for years.

According to court documents, Popp and Dolowy were acquaintances who frequently participated in pool tournaments together. Initially, Popp downplayed their relationship, describing Dolowy as a casual acquaintance. However, when confronted with DNA evidence in March 2023, he altered his account, admitting to a brief affair with the victim.

The breakthrough in the case came when DNA samples taken from Popp in January 2023 matched material found during Dolowy's autopsy. This genetic evidence, combined with advances in forensic technology, allowed investigators to link Popp to the crime scene after nearly four decades.

Despite the evidence, Popp maintains his innocence, denying any involvement in Dolowy's death and asserting that he is not a violent person. However, the prosecution believes they have a strong case against him.

The arrest of Popp brings hope for closure to Dolowy's family and friends who have endured the psychological impact of this unsolved murder for decades. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in cold case investigations and the potential for new technologies to shed light on long-standing mysteries.

As the case progresses, it will likely draw attention to various aspects of the criminal justice system, including the concept of reasonable doubt, the reliability of witness testimony after long periods, and the potential for false confessions in high-profile cases.

Popp is currently held at the Vernon County Jail on a $1 million cash bail. As of the latest update, he had not retained an attorney. The case continues to develop, with the next steps in the legal process eagerly anticipated by those seeking justice for Terry Dolowy.

"This arrest is the result of tireless work by our investigators and the advancements in forensic science. We hope it brings some measure of closure to the victim's family and demonstrates our commitment to solving cold cases, no matter how much time has passed."