BREAKING: Arrest Made in 1972 Homicide Cold Case
EVERETT, Wash. – Detectives from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Offices arrested a 77 year-old Edmonds (Washington) man yesterday for the 1972 murder of 20 year-old Jody Loomis. Her body was found in what was at the time a heavily wooded area near what is now Mill Creek Rd, east of the intersection of Bothell-Everett Hwy and 164th St SW. Terrence Miller, who was identified as a suspect through genetic genealogy, was arrested at his home yesterday around 10:30 a.m. without incident. He has been charged with 1st degree premeditated murder and is being held in the Snohomish County jail on $1 million bail. Detectives believe Miller was living in the Edmonds area at the time of the murder, approximately five miles from where Loomis’ body was found.
“After more than 46 years of searching for her killer, we finally have some answers for Jody’s family,” said Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary. “Thanks to the relentless persistence of our cold case team and new DNA technology, we are one step closer to justice for Jody.”
Genetic genealogy is the use of DNA testing in combination with traditional genealogical methods to establish the relationship between an individual and their ancestors. This is the second arrest in a Snohomish County cold homicide case using results from genetic genealogy.
Successful identification of Miller was established with assistance from Parabon NanoLabs and genetic genealogist Deb Stone. A digital file containing DNA genotype data gathered from evidence collected from the victim was uploaded to GEDmatch, a public genetic genealogy website. Several promising matches were found for a few of the suspect’s relatives (see family tree). After the genealogist identified parents of possible suspects based on the family tree, police acquired an abandoned DNA sample from a cup one suspect had used. Washington State Patrol’s crime lab confirmed that it positively matched the DNA profile from the crime scene evidence.
Detectives continue to gather and process evidence and interview witnesses related to the investigation of Loomis’ murder and are asking for people to come forward with information, specifically anyone who knows of firearms that Miller owned in 1972, where he worked, what vehicles he drove then and if he was ever in possession of a bridle for a horse.
If you or anyone you know has information related to this case or suspect, please call the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office tip line 425-388-3845.
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Case background
On August, 23 1972, 20 year-old Jody Loomis intended to ride her bicycle from her residence at 20 Winesap Rd (Bothell), to a stable on Strumme Rd to ride her horse. She rode north on North Rd to 164th St SE and east towards the Bothell-Everett Highway. She was last seen crossing the highway and riding up the hill on what was then called Penny Creek Rd (now Mill Creek Rd) at 5:00 p.m. At approximately 5:30 p.m., two people found Jody disrobed and shot in the head in the woods. They transported her to Stevens Memorial Hospital in Edmonds where she was pronounced deceased.
Captions for attached photo:
Jody Loomis and her horse in 1972
New5h ago · Subscribers of Snohomish County Sheriff's Office
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Mike H.
Mike H., Norma Beach·1h ago
Good job!!
Debra B.
Debra B., Clearview and Hwy 9·Edited 50m ago
What an incredible job by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Dept. Now the family will have peace and justice!