An 83-year-old man has been arrested in the murder of his former roommate more than 31 years after the man’s mysterious disappearance in Wisconsin.
The major development in the cold case investigation into James “Jim” Ruland’s 1995 killing occurred Friday, September 18, when deputies arrested Jerome Baier near Spencer, Wisconsin, according to a news release from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office.
Baier is charged with first-degree murder in Ruland’s death, the agency said.
Ruland was 40 years old when he was last seen on October 24, 1995. Two days after that last confirmed sighting, a witness said they possibly saw him hitchhiking in North Fond du Lac.
He was living with Baier when he vanished, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators believe the two had a dispute over missing money and utility bills. Ruland had already locked in another place to live and was preparing to move out prior to his disappearance.
Sometime after he went missing, investigators found Ruland’s car at a truck stop in North Fond du Lac, authorities said.
In the last three decades, authorities have been searching for Ruland’s remains once the case turned into a homicide investigation based on evidence connected to his disappearance, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators have used K9’s, radar technology, aerial searches, conducted “large-scale” excavations of possible burial sites, divers searching waterways, and searched a pig farm manure pit in the search for Ruland’s body, the agency said.
“Although his remains have not been recovered, this sustained investigation has developed sufficient probable cause to support an arrest,” the sheriff’s office said.
Friday morning, detectives executed a search warrant at Baier’s home, which is located on a rural property in Spencer. They ultimately arrested him and he was booked at the Fond du Lac County Jail.
During Baier’s court appearance on Monday, September 21, he was ordered to be held on a $1 million cash bond, per WBAY-TV. Information on his legal representation wasn’t immediately available.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by the TV station, Baier intentionally killed Ruland when they lived together in the town of Ripon.
During the investigation, cadaver dogs detected the “scent of human remains” at Baier’s property in Ripon in 2023, the criminal complaint states.
Baier is accused of lying to authorities during the investigation, per the filing.
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office said Ruland’s family has asked for privacy given the news of Baier’s arrest.
“For 31 years, detectives with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office have remained committed to uncovering the truth behind James Ruland’s homicide,” the agency said. “Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Lieutenant of Detectives Alex Volm at 920-924-2406 or Detective Dave Olig at 920-906-4799. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the Fond du Lac County Law Enforcement Tip Line at 920-906-4777.”
