An Idaho man, Michael Eugene Mullen, 75, was arrested for the 1973 murder of Nina 'Nadine' Fischer in California, thanks to DNA evidence that reignited a cold case after 50 years.

The arrest of Mullen marks a significant breakthrough in a long-unsolved homicide, with DNA evidence facilitating his identification as the suspect in Fischer's brutal killing. Found shot and sexually assaulted in her home, Fischer's case languished for decades until advancements in genetic technology enabled law enforcement to link Mullen to the crime scene, highlighting the potential for new insights into cold cases as investigators continue to utilize forensic innovations.

Nina 'Nadine' Fischer was murdered in her home in 1973, discovered by her husband upon his return from work. The investigation at the time revealed that she had been shot three times and sexually assaulted. In a tragic twist, Fischer's two-year-old child was found unharmed in another room of the residence. This heinous crime shocked the community and prompted an extensive investigation, which unfortunately went cold despite efforts to find her killer.

In the years following Fischer's death, investigators pursued various leads, interviewing movers and an assessor who were in the area at the time. The case went cold after initial investigations. However, recent progress has led to the case being reopened, identifying a suspect through DNA evidence.

In a recent development, the Marin County Sheriff's Office revisited the case in 2021, submitting it to the California Department of Justice’s Familial Search Program. This program employs advanced DNA techniques, searching vast genetic databases to find familial connections that could lead to potential suspects. The decision to revisit the case and utilize this modern technology was a turning point in the investigation.

Following the Familial Search Program's analysis, investigators received a significant lead which indicated a potential match between DNA from the crime scene and that of Michael Eugene Mullen. Over the course of three years, law enforcement conducted thorough investigations based on this lead, culminating in Mullen being arrested on suspicion of murder. Authorities confirmed that there appeared to be no mutual connection between Mullen and Fischer.

Currently, Mullen is being held in the Lemhi County Jail in Idaho while awaiting extradition to California to face the charges against him. The long-standing nature of this cold case and the recent developments emphasize its complexity and the intricacies involved in bringing historical cases to resolution.

The Marin County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude towards multiple law enforcement agencies that contributed to the successful identification of Mullen as a suspect. Their collaborative efforts serve as a reminder of the importance of community and interdisciplinary cooperation in solving cold cases. The ability to solve a case from 50 years ago through the use of current scientific techniques exemplifies the dedication of law enforcement to seeking justice for victims and their families.

As the case moves forward, the community remembers Nina 'Nadine' Fischer and continues to seek answers regarding her tragic fate. The impact of her death reverberated throughout the years, and Mullen's arrest may provide closure to Fischer's family and friends who have lived with the unanswered questions surrounding her murder for decades.