December 31st 2024.
In a tragic turn of events, the killer of an 18-year-old Ohio woman who was brutally beaten to death in her apartment 43 years ago has finally been identified. This cold case, which had long gone unsolved, was reopened in 2021 thanks to advancements in DNA technology and forensic investigative techniques, according to Mansfield Police Chief Jason Bammann.
At a news conference, Bammann shared that the dedicated team of investigators approached the case with a fresh perspective, treating it as if it had happened just yesterday. Their hard work paid off when they uncovered a "firm DNA profile" of James Vanest, Miller's upstairs neighbor at the time of her death. Surprisingly, Vanest had been questioned during the initial investigation but was never considered a suspect. Unfortunately, the case became mired in allegations of potential police misconduct, hindering any progress in solving Miller's murder.
Miller's death was one of several suspicious deaths in the Mansfield area during the 1980s that were examined for possible links to local police officers. However, a special investigation in 1989 found no evidence connecting any officers to the deaths. Still, questions were raised about possible sexual involvement between officers and Miller, as well as the way some homicides were investigated. In fact, Miller had written in her diary about being sexually involved with several Mansfield police officers.
The local police chief retired in 1990, following further complaints about irregularities in the investigation of another homicide case involving a Mansfield patrolman's ex-wife. Miller's case was reopened multiple times over the years, with new leads and evidence being discovered. This time, Richland County Prosecutor Jodie Schumacher was confident that the DNA evidence against Vanest was strong enough to bring him to justice and prepare a case against him to take to a grand jury.
However, before justice could be served, Vanest was found living in Canton, 160 kilometers away from Mansfield, in November 2021. After re-interviewing him, investigators sensed that he was trying to create an alibi for himself regarding his DNA being found in Miller's apartment. In the spring of 2024, Mansfield Police Detective Terry Butler attempted to interview Vanest a second time, but he refused to speak and requested an attorney. Shortly after, Vanest sold his house, bought a pickup truck and trailer, and fled to West Virginia. He was arrested on state charges and released on bond.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives took over the case and later indicted Vanest on federal gun charges. On November 18, U.S. Marshals and SWAT officers attempted to serve Vanest with the indictment at a motel in North Canton. However, things took a deadly turn when Vanest pointed a gun at the officers and barricaded himself in the hotel. A brief shootout ensued, during which a SWAT member was shot in the arm, and Vanest was fatally shot.
While the outcome was not what authorities had hoped for, Chief Bammann considers the case closed and hopes that identifying Miller's killer will bring closure to her family. Detective Butler, who is also the great-nephew of one of the first officers on the scene in 1981, feels grateful for the opportunity to finally solve this case. He emphasized that the police never gave up and continued to dig for answers, demonstrating their dedication to bringing justice for Miller and her loved ones.
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