NewsLocal News

Actions

OPD Detective says DNA helped solve cold case

Posted at 5:42 PM, Jan 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-15 19:20:14-05

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) -- — New DNA testing helps make an arrest in a 19-year-old cold case.

Christopher Martin, 51, is booked for 1st Degree Murder in the Douglas County Jail.

Police say on December 5, 2000, Martin shot Todd Schumacher outside his house when he returned home from work near 29 & Q Streets. Martin was a suspect initially, but police didn't have enough to arrest him.

Schumacher's daughter urged detectives to take another look. They retested some DNA evidence from the scene, and police say Martin was a match.

"That's what happened in this case, the DNA was definitely enhanced, it was increased, the presence just based off of the way they test it nowadays," said OPD Detective Dave Schneider.

Police say Martin and Schumacher were neighbors for about a year but haven't given a motive.

“After all these years, my dad will finally be able to rest in peace and our family will be able to rest a little better at night knowing that the person who did this is finally getting what he deserves." said Alyssa Schumacher, Todd’s daughter.

Martin will be arraigned and have his bond set or denied on Thursday.

If you have any information on any unsolved Omaha murders call the Omaha Police Department at 402-444-7867. You may be eligible for a reward up to $25,000.