Decades-Old Murder of California Girl Solved by Cigarette DNA

James Oliver Unick, 64, found guilty of 1982 rape and murder of 13-year-old Sarah Geer

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The brutal 1982 rape and murder of 13-year-old Sarah Geer in Cloverdale, California has been solved after 44 years, thanks to DNA evidence from a discarded cigarette butt. James Oliver Unick, now 64 years old, was arrested in 2024 and found guilty last week of Geer's murder. Unick will be sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Why it matters

This case highlights the power of DNA evidence and modern forensic science in solving even the oldest and most challenging cold cases. It also demonstrates the perseverance of law enforcement and the community in seeking justice for victims, even decades after a tragic crime.

The details

In May 1982, 13-year-old Sarah Geer was abducted, raped, and strangled to death in Cloverdale, California. The crime went unsolved for decades until 2003, when DNA evidence was developed from Geer's underwear. In 2024, the FBI matched the DNA to one of four brothers, including James Oliver Unick. Unick was placed under surveillance, and when he discarded a cigarette butt, it was tested and confirmed a match to the DNA profile. Unick initially claimed not to remember the events, but later testified that he had consensual sex with Geer, who he claimed was 16 years old at the time. The jury deliberated for only two hours before finding Unick guilty.

  • On May 23, 1982, 13-year-old Sarah Geer was abducted, raped, and murdered in Cloverdale, California.
  • In 2003, a California Department of Justice criminalist developed a DNA profile from evidence collected at the crime scene.
  • In 2024, Unick was arrested after the FBI matched the DNA evidence to one of four brothers, including Unick.
  • On February 13, 2026, a jury found Unick guilty of Geer's murder after only two hours of deliberation.
  • Unick's sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2026.

The players

James Oliver Unick

A 64-year-old man who was found guilty of the 1982 rape and murder of 13-year-old Sarah Geer.

Sarah Geer

A 13-year-old girl who was abducted, raped, and murdered in Cloverdale, California in 1982.

Carla Rodriguez

The district attorney for Sonoma County, who stated that this case represents the "coldest case ever presented to a Sonoma County jury".

Kevin Cline

A private investigator with experience in cold cases who helped Cloverdale detectives crack the case.

The FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that provided access to familial genealogical databases, which helped link the DNA evidence to Unick.

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What they’re saying

“This guilty verdict is a testament to everyone who never gave up searching for Sarah's killer.”

— Carla Rodriguez, District Attorney, Sonoma County

“This is the coldest case ever presented to a Sonoma County jury. While 44 years is too long to wait, justice has finally been served, both to Sarah's loved ones as well as her community.”

— Carla Rodriguez, District Attorney, Sonoma County

What’s next

Unick will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole during his sentencing hearing scheduled for April 23, 2026.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the power of modern forensic science and the perseverance of law enforcement in solving even the oldest and most challenging cold cases. It provides closure for the victim's family and community, and serves as a reminder that justice can be achieved, even decades after a tragic crime.