A rape case that had remained unsolved for 39 years has finally been resolved, resulting in the arrest of the alleged rapist.
In October 1986, a woman was kidnapped near Howe after she stepped out of her vehicle to clear an object from the road.
In 2015, a detective re-opened the case that had remained unsolved for several years.
Despite utilizing advanced technology, the detective encountered a setback when running the DNA through a database – there were no matches found.
In 2023, through the use of genetic genealogy, a family lineage was linked to the DNA evidence, enabling the police to pinpoint the identity of a single individual.
On Monday, authorities arrested Ricky McLatcher, a 62-year-old resident of Quincy, MI. Following his arrest, he was transported to the Branch County jail.
McLatcher is currently facing charges for Criminal Deviate Conduct, Burglary, and Criminal Confinement. These charges stem from a warrant issued in LaGrange County.
He is currently waiting to be extradited to Indiana.
