New Evidence Discovered in Nearly 50-Year-Old Minnesota Cold Case

Fairmont, MN (KROC-AM News)- Authorities have discovered new evidence in a nearly 50-year-old Minnesota cold case. 

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The victim of the 1970’s murder was 21 at the time of her death. Her body was found in a ditch along a rural southwestern Minnesota road on October 3, 1975. 

Law enforcement found her unattended vehicle a day before finding her body on Hwy. 4 in Martin County. It was determined she died of a gunshot wound, the Minnesota BCA says. 

New DNA Found At Scene of Young Minnesota Woman's Murder

On Thursday the Martin County Sheriff’s Office issued a news release indicating they have submitted new evidence related to the murder of 21-year-old JoAnn Bontjes. 

The evidence is an unknown DNA sample that was collected from the scene of the woman’s death with the assistance of the Minnesota BCA. 

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Authorities say they do not yet know who the DNA came from. Investigators have obtained DNA samples from several individuals and their DNA did not match the unknown sample. 

Martin County Sheriff Jeff Markquart says the sheriff’s office is now “actively investigating the murder of JoAnn Bontjes.” 

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the young woman’s murder to come forward.

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