Police in the United States have arrested a man on suspicion of a murder that took place 30 years ago.
Eight-year-old April Tinsley was raped and murdered back in 1988 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and in the years since her death, a person (or persons) claiming to be the killer had left a selection of chilling taunts around the town, claiming responsibility for the murder, whilst also suggesting that he would kill again.
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Now, years later, a 59-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the cold case.
John Miller, from the town of Grabill, Indiana, spoke with Fort Wayne Police Department and Indiana State Police on Sunday and is alleged to have made incriminating statements and admissions regarding the abduction, assault, and eventual murder of the young girl.
Police have also positively identified his DNA after sifting through his rubbish outside his house. It is thought that formal charges will be brought against Miller this week.
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This breakthrough came just hours before a crime investigation show, On the Case with Paula Zahn, was due to air an episode that told the story of the killing, and the subsequent taunts that followed.
According to court documents, upon being asked if he knew why the police had arrived at his house, Miller replied 'April Tinsley' before admitting to the murder.
The case began on 1 April, 1988 when April was abducted from her home while walking to a friend's house. Three days later her body was discovered around 20 miles away. The killer had left DNA evidence, but no match could be found.
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The case came back to life in 1990 when a message was daubed on a barn door that said: "I kill eight-year-old April Marie Tinsley. I will kill again."
The case went quiet for 14 years, until in 2004 several notes were discovered in mailboxes and on the bicycles of other young girls. They were accompanied by photos of parts of a naked man, and used condoms. The police identified the DNA as the same as that of the DNA left at the murder scene.
One of the chilling notes read: "Hi Honey I been watching you I am the same person that kidnapped and raped and killed April Tinsley. You are my next victim. If you don't report this to police or I don't see this in the paper tomorrow or on the local news or I will blow up your house"
After the DNA evidence led them to Miller, he is alleged to have been asked to explain Tinsley's disappearance and replied: "I can't."
He has now been taken to Allen County Jail on suspicion of murder, child molesting, and confinement. He is expected to appear in court on Monday 16 July.
Featured Image Credit: FBI.govTopics: Police, News, Murder, USA