# DNA Breakthrough Cracks Iowa Cold Case More Than 40 Years After Young Man’s Murder

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/forensic-files-unsealed-6989771/dna-breakthrough-cracks-iowa-cold-case-more-than-40-years-after-young-man-s-murder
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/forensic-files-unsealed-6989771/dna-breakthrough-cracks-iowa-cold-case-more-than-40-years-after-young-man-s-murder.md
Podcast: [Forensic Files Unsealed](https://stenobird.com/podcast/forensic-files-unsealed-6989771)
Published: 2026-09-10T01:54:12+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/dna-breakthrough-cracks-iowa-cold-case-more-than-40-years-after-young-man-s-murder--75037136
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/75037136/dna_on_a_hammer_solves_1983_murder.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1617

## Resource

Authorities in Iowa recently achieved a breakthrough in a cold case involving the 1983 slaying of Ronald Novak. After four decades, investigators utilized advanced genetic genealogy to link DNA evidence found on the victim's clothing and a weapon to a suspect named Michael Schappert. The 64-year-old was apprehended in Oregon and now faces first-degree murder charges for the violent robbery and subsequent death of Novak. While this arrest provides a sense of closure for the victim's family, police believe at least one other individual participated in the crime. The case remains open as officials hope the recent publicity will encourage new witnesses to come forward with information. This development highlights how modern forensic technology can successfully resolve decades-old investigations that were previously considered unsolvable. This episode includes AI-generated content.

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