Decades-Old Cold Case Solved: Suspected Teen Killer Identified

Michigan officials use DNA analysis to identify 75-year-old Roni Collins as the perpetrator of 1983 murder of 16-year-old Sheri Jo Elliott.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing a key piece of evidence from a long-unsolved murder case.A single bullet casing, a haunting remnant of a decades-old cold case, now finally closed through the power of modern forensic science.Flint Today

Michigan officials have finally identified Roni Collins, a 75-year-old man from Grand Blanc, as the perpetrator behind the 1983 murder of 16-year-old Sheri Jo Elliott. Elliott's body was discovered four days after she went missing on her way to the bus stop, having been sexually assaulted and shot multiple times. The case remained unsolved for over 40 years until the Michigan State Police reopened the investigation in 2023 with the help of the Western Michigan University Cold Case Program, leading them to Collins, who died by suicide in January before authorities could obtain a DNA sample. Investigators were still able to conclusively match evidence recovered from Elliott's body to Collins using DNA collected during his autopsy.

Why it matters

This case highlights the power of modern forensic DNA analysis and genetic genealogy in solving long-standing cold cases, even decades after the crime was committed. It also underscores the importance of perseverance and the commitment of law enforcement to never give up on seeking justice for victims and their families, no matter how much time has passed.

The details

On November 16, 1983, 16-year-old Sheri Jo Elliott left her home in Flint, Michigan to walk to her bus stop, but she never made it. Her family reported her missing a few hours later when she did not return from school. After a multi-day search, Elliott's body was discovered in a ditch in nearby Saginaw County. An autopsy revealed she had been sexually assaulted and shot multiple times. The case went cold for over 40 years until the Michigan State Police reopened the investigation in 2023 with the help of the Western Michigan University Cold Case Program, which assisted in reorganizing and digitizing decades of investigative material. This renewed effort led police to identify Roni Collins, a 75-year-old man from Grand Blanc, as the perpetrator. However, Collins died by suicide in January 2023 before authorities could obtain a voluntary DNA sample. Investigators were still able to conclusively match evidence recovered from Elliott's body to Collins using DNA collected during his autopsy.

  • On November 16, 1983, Elliott left her home in Flint, Michigan to walk to her bus stop.
  • A few hours later, Elliott's family reported her missing when she did not return from school.
  • Four days after her disappearance, Elliott's body was discovered in a ditch in nearby Saginaw County.
  • The Michigan State Police reopened the investigation in 2023 alongside the Western Michigan University Cold Case Program.
  • In January 2023, Roni Collins died by suicide before authorities could obtain a voluntary DNA sample.

The players

Sheri Jo Elliott

A 16-year-old girl from Flint, Michigan who was the victim of a 1983 murder that went unsolved for over 40 years.

Roni Collins

A 75-year-old man from Grand Blanc, Michigan who has been identified as the perpetrator of Sheri Jo Elliott's 1983 murder.

Michigan State Police

The law enforcement agency that reopened the investigation into Sheri Jo Elliott's murder in 2023 and used DNA evidence to identify Roni Collins as the suspected killer.

Western Michigan University Cold Case Program

A program that assisted the Michigan State Police in reorganizing and digitizing decades of investigative material, providing critical support to the renewed investigation.

Judy Sika

Sheri Jo Elliott's aunt, who spoke about the agonizing search for her missing niece and the devastating discovery of her body.

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What they’re saying

“They now can get DNA from a single hair strand, versus a strand of hair with a follicle. In the 1980s to 1990s, it was a nickel-sized stain down to a dime. Now, it's three to five skin cells – you can't even see it. That's the DNA.”

— Tom Myers, Retired FBI forensic agent

“Investigative genealogy is more comprehensive and, of course, a bigger thing. But if [investigators are] on top of their game, you better be afraid, because they'll get it.”

— Tom Myers, Retired FBI forensic agent

What’s next

The case is only the latest to use forensic genetic genealogy to lead investigators to the individual responsible for a long-unsolved murder. Authorities will continue to explore the potential of this cutting-edge technology to bring closure to other cold cases across the state.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the power of modern forensic science and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, even decades after a crime has been committed. It serves as a sobering reminder that no matter how much time has passed, perpetrators of heinous acts can still be held accountable through the diligent work of investigators and advancements in DNA analysis.