Just shy of 31 years after James Ruland was reported missing, an arrest has been made.
Ruland was last seen on October 24th, 1995, and his vehicle was later located at the Stretch Truck Stop in North Fond du Lac.
An investigation was launched, utilizing local, state, and federal resources, and in 2021, advances in forensic testing technology led to the first major break in the case.
Detectives requested additional testing of evidence previously submitted to the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, which helped corroborate information gathered through interviews and other evidence analysis.
After five more years of investigation, despite not ever finding Ruland’s remains, the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office says they have “developed sufficient probable cause to support an arrest.”
A search warrant was issued late last week for the home of Jerome Baier, who was Ruland’s roommate at the time of his disappearance.
Baier was arrested on a charge of 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, and he is in the Fond du Lac County Jail awaiting his first court appearance.
