Michael Breisch : Police Arrest Suspect in 1989 Cold Case Killing of 78-Year-Old Pennsylvania Woman

Breakthrough in 1989 Cold Case Murder

After more than three decades, a breakthrough has been made in the cold case murder of 78-year-old Rose Hnath, who was brutally stabbed to death in her Lehigh Valley home back in 1989.

Arrest Made in Decades-Old Case

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan announced on Thursday, May 16, 2024, that Michael Breisch, now 65 years old, has been arrested and charged with homicide and burglary in connection to Hnath’s murder.

The Tragic Death of Rose Hnath

Rose Hnath, a widow who lived alone in her home on 2nd Street in North Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, was found dead by family members on January 21, 1989. Her body was discovered after she failed to attend her regular church service, and it was evident that her home had been ransacked.

Investigators determined that Hnath had died from multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma, with signs indicating that she had put up a fight during the attack.

Technological Advancements Lead to Arrest

For years, the case remained unsolved until recent advancements in DNA technology helped identify Michael Breisch as the prime suspect. The preservation of key evidence allowed investigators to link Breisch to the crime scene.

At the time of the murder, Breisch was residing in a correctional facility in Allentown, and it was revealed that he had burglarized Hnath’s home on the day of her murder. However, he has not been connected to a previous burglary at the same residence.

Legal Proceedings and Investigation

Following his identification as the suspect, Breisch was apprehended in Ohio, where he had briefly resided after leaving Pennsylvania. He has since been extradited back to Pennsylvania and is currently being held without bail at the Lehigh County Jail.

A preliminary hearing for Breisch is scheduled for May 21, 2024, where he will face charges of criminal homicide, burglary, robbery, and other related offences.

Family’s Reaction and Investigation Details

Authorities have been in contact with Hnath’s family members, who expressed relief at the news of an arrest in the long-standing case. Investigators believe that Breisch acted alone and had no prior connection to Hnath at the time of the murder.

No additional suspects are being sought in relation to the case, and online court records do not list legal representation for Breisch at this time.

The collaborative efforts of Pennsylvania State troopers, Lehigh County Detectives, and law enforcement officials from Ohio played a crucial role in the successful arrest and extradition of Michael Breisch.

For more information on this developing story, visit the original article on NBC News.