A long-unsolved murder case spanning nearly 44 years has finally been resolved in the United States, with DNA evidence from a cigarette butt assisting authorities in identifying the perpetrator. The case pertains to 13-year-old Sarah Geery, who was last seen alive on a May evening in 1982 in Cloverdale, California, as she departed a friend's house. The next day, her body was discovered by a local firefighter on a remote roadway near an apartment building.

James Unick was convicted this year for the murder of Sarah Geery, with the prosecutor’s office announcing the resolution on February 13. Carla Rodriguez, the prosecutor, emphasized that the conviction serves as a message to all those who have never given up searching for Sarah's murderer. She described this case as the coldest case ever presented to a Sonoma County jury and expressed relief that justice had finally been achieved, although 44 years is a long wait for it.

The implications of this case are significant, not just for Sarah Geery's family and community but also for the broader justice system, showcasing the potential of modern forensic technology to solve cold cases. It highlights the importance of persistence in cold cases and the evolving methodologies in forensic science that can provide closure even after decades have passed. This victory for justice serves as a reminder of the vital role technology plays in solving crimes and holding perpetrators accountable, no matter how much time has elapsed.