# Wisconsin 1995 cold case homicide arrest

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wisconsin-1995-cold-case-homicide-arrest
> Updated: 2026-09-21T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Wisconsin arrested 83-year-old Jerome P. Baier in connection with the 1995 disappearance of his former roommate, James Ruland. Ruland, then 40, was last seen on October 24, 1995, in Ripon. While his vehicle was found at a truck stop in North Fond du Lac, his remains have never been recovered despite decades of searches involving aerial technology, dive teams, and K-9 units.

The investigation transitioned from a missing person case to a homicide investigation following advancements in forensic technology. In 2021, detectives requested additional testing of evidence at the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, which provided the probable cause for Baier to be charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Baier is currently held in the Fond du Lac County Jail.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Wisconsin crime updates: Cold case arrest and standoff sentencing

Wisconsin authorities have arrested an 83-year-old man for a 30-year-old cold case murder, while a Milwaukee man was sentenced following a 2026 armed standoff.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wisconsin-crime-updates-cold-case-arrest-and-standoff-sentencing

### 2026-09-18: Wisconsin man arrested in 1995 cold case homicide

An 83-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the 1995 disappearance of his former roommate, James Ruland, in Wisconsin.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wisconsin-man-arrested-in-1995-cold-case-homicide

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Cite as: Wisconsin 1995 cold case homicide arrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wisconsin-1995-cold-case-homicide-arrest