In a major breakthrough in a decades-old cold case, authorities have identified an Iowa teen as one of the earliest victims of notorious serial killer Randy Kraft. Michael Ray Schlicht, who had been known as “John Doe” for 49 years, was finally identified by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California.
Schlicht’s body was discovered in 1974 on a fire road northeast of Laguna Beach, California. Initially, his death was ruled accidental due to intoxication. However, subsequent similar deaths in the area led investigators to reclassify them as homicides.
Randy Kraft, also known as the “Scorecard Killer,” was convicted in 1989 for brutalizing and killing 16 men in Orange County. He is currently serving his sentence at San Quentin State Prison. Authorities suspect Kraft of committing additional murders in California, Oregon, and Michigan.
The identification of Schlicht’s remains came after investigators submitted tissue samples to a private forensic biotechnology company in November 2022. By developing a DNA profile and entering it into a genealogy database, investigators were able to trace the victim’s family tree, ultimately leading them to a woman in Kansas City, Missouri, believed to be Schlicht’s mother.
Kraft’s case gained notoriety for his gruesome actions and the chilling details that emerged during his trial. Prosecutors described him as a fetishist who kept dismembered body parts in his freezer. Despite his conviction, Kraft maintained his innocence, stating, “I have not murdered anyone, and I believe a reasonable review of the record will show that.”
The identification of Schlicht brings closure to his family, who have waited nearly five decades for answers. It also highlights the importance of advancements in forensic technology and the tireless efforts of law enforcement in solving cold cases.
This development serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact that serial killers have on communities and the profound loss experienced by the victims’ families. It is a testament to the perseverance of investigators and the hope that justice can eventually be served, even after many years have passed.
