News Summary

Law enforcement has arrested a 64-year-old man, Roger Schmidt, in connection with the 1984 murder of 18-year-old Terry Arndt in Burney, California. The breakthrough was made possible through modern DNA technology, which led to Schmidt’s identification as the prime suspect in this tragic cold case. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is left grappling with long-buried memories of that fateful night and hopes for justice.

Big Break in Cold Case: 64-Year-Old Man Arrested for 1984 Murder in Burney, California

In an astonishing turn of events, law enforcement has arrested a 64-year-old man in connection with a tragic incident that occurred way back in December 1984 in Burney, California. Roger Schmidt was taken into custody in Tucson, Arizona, on July 21, 2025, after a relentless pursuit of justice for the long-ago crime that shocked the small community.

A Night of Horror

On that fateful night, an 18-year-old football star and the pride of his high school, Terry Arndt, who was attending Shasta College in nearby Redding, became the victim of a heinous act. Arndt, along with a young woman, were enjoying a quiet evening when a large sedan with a dull finish crept close to their parked car on Mountain View Road. Feeling uneasy, they decided to move to a more secluded spot.

But it was there, in the darkness of the night, that their world turned upside down. The same car returned, and what happened next would change their lives forever. The assailant flicked a cigarette at Arndt’s car and approached with ill intent. In an attempt to protect the woman, Arndt found himself on the receiving end of a shot from a .22-caliber rifle, fired through the driver’s side window.

In the chaos that followed, the attacker not only took Arndt’s life but also sexually assaulted the unnamed woman, leaving her traumatized and alone. With sheer determination, she managed to drive to town and alerted a California Highway Patrol officer. Tragically, Arndt was pronounced dead later that night at a local hospital, leaving a community reeling from the violence.

The Investigation Gone Cold

In the years that followed, the investigation faced many ups and downs. Initially, witnesses described the attacker as a slim white male in his 30s, sporting a thick beard and mustache, dressed in a blue baseball cap and plaid shirt. Authorities offered a reward for information leading to an arrest, but despite these efforts, the case went cold as years turned into decades.

It wasn’t until 1995 that a suspect was arrested based on the available evidence. However, further DNA testing would later rule him out completely, leaving investigators back at square one.

Advancements in Technology Bring New Hope

Flash forward to recent times, and the case was reopened thanks to advances in DNA technology. Investigators sent DNA evidence to Othram Labs in Texas, renowned for their breakthroughs in cold cases. Using advanced testing methods, Othram was successful in developing a DNA profile that led them straight to Roger Schmidt.

Upon learning that Schmidt had lived in Burney during the time of the murder, detectives were impressed to find that he closely matched the original sketch created based on the female victim’s description. When authorities located Schmidt in Arizona, they took action. He was booked into a Pima County jail on suspicion of murder and sexual assault, with plans already in place for his extradition back to California.

A Glimmer of Justice

This development marks the 66th identification made possible through Othram’s work in California, showcasing the incredible impact that modern technology can have on solving decades-old mysteries. While a community once shattered by tragedy may find itself beginning to heal, the apprehension of Roger Schmidt raises numerous questions about justice, accountability, and the memories of that fateful night in 1984.

As the case moves forward in the legal system, many will be watching closely, hoping for justice for Terry Arndt and the unnamed woman whose lives were forever changed. This story reminds us that even cold cases can spark new flames of hope, thanks to relentless dedication and advancements in science.

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