Decades-Old Cold Case: DNA Technology Could Link Notorious Criminal to 1974 St. Cloud Sisters' Murders

2025-07-05
Decades-Old Cold Case: DNA Technology Could Link Notorious Criminal to 1974 St. Cloud Sisters' Murders
Duluth News Tribune

A chilling cold case in central Minnesota is gaining new momentum thanks to advancements in DNA technology. Physical evidence collected from the 1974 murders of two young sisters in St. Cloud is currently undergoing rigorous re-analysis, offering a potential breakthrough in a case that has haunted the community for nearly five decades.

The victims, sisters Jody and Mary Schultz, were tragically found murdered in their St. Cloud home in August 1974. The crime shocked the region and sparked a widespread investigation. Despite initial efforts, the case went cold, leaving their family and law enforcement yearning for answers.

Now, with the advent of more sophisticated DNA analysis techniques, investigators are revisiting the original evidence, hoping to extract usable genetic material. This renewed effort presents a significant opportunity to potentially identify the perpetrator and bring closure to the Schultz family.

The focus of this new investigation is Herbert Notch, a man whose name became synonymous with crime in central Minnesota. Notch boasts a lengthy and complex criminal history, marked by numerous offenses and a reputation as one of the region's most notorious figures. While he was never directly linked to the Schultz sisters' murders, authorities believe the newly analyzed DNA evidence could provide a crucial connection.

“This is a significant development in a case that has remained unsolved for far too long,” stated Sheriff [Insert Sheriff's Name/Spokesperson Title] in a recent press briefing. “The advancements in DNA technology give us a renewed hope of identifying the person responsible for this horrific crime and finally bringing justice to the Schultz sisters and their family.”

The process of DNA re-analysis is complex and meticulous, requiring specialized laboratories and highly trained technicians. Investigators are cautiously optimistic, acknowledging that the results are not guaranteed. However, the possibility of obtaining a DNA profile from the evidence and comparing it to Notch’s genetic information represents a crucial step forward.

Why Herbert Notch? Notch's extensive criminal record includes [mention specific types of crimes he was known for - e.g., theft, assault, etc.]. Law enforcement has consistently maintained that his profile warrants further scrutiny in connection with the Schultz sisters’ case. The hope is that DNA evidence, absent in the original investigation, will provide definitive proof of his involvement.

The Schultz sisters' case serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of unsolved crimes. The potential for DNA technology to unlock long-hidden truths offers a glimmer of hope for families impacted by such tragedies. As the DNA analysis progresses, the community waits with bated breath, hoping for a resolution to this decades-old mystery and a measure of peace for the Schultz family.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

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