DNA links suspect to 1990 Cape Coral double murder
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — An unsolved double homicide from 1990 was cracked open by a DNA match, ending one of the city’s most notorious cold cases in charges Wednesday.
Joseph Zieler, 54, is accused of brutally raping and murdering Robin Cornell, 11, and Lisa Story, 32, in their Cape Coral apartment 26 years ago. He is facing two counts of sexually battery, two counts for murder and a charge for burglary with assault, according to an arrest report, in what was the oldest unsolved homicide in Cape Coral history.
Cape Coral police officers said they were able to link his DNA to the murder case after they tested Zieler’s DNA in a battery arrest from August. The murder of Cornell and Lisa gained national attention when it aired on “America’s Most Wanted” — most recently in 2010.
But knowing Zieler is behind bars has brought closure to the victims’ families.
Jan Cornell, Robin’s mother and Story’s roommate, has been a longtime advocate for justice in their case. She spoke Wednesday, thanking officers for their diligence.
“We all know that miracles exist,” Cornell said. “I thank every one of these men for listening to me.”
Cornell also expressed her joy in the department’s continued pursuit in this investigation.
“I can not be more grateful today. I cannot be more happy,” Cornell said. “I want my daughter and my friend to finally rest in peace, because their day for justice is right here.”
http://www.winknews.com/2016/09/28/c...ws-conference/
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