That DNA profile ultimately led to the identification of Schmidt, who was living in Tucson, Arizona.
“Without the help of Othram and Project 525, we may never have had this resolution,” said a sheriff’s office spokesperson.
The 1984 Crime
On December 14, 1984, two 18-year-olds were sitting in a car near Burney High School when Schmidt, then 23, approached with a gun.
He fatally shot Terry Arndt as the teen tried to shield his companion, who was then sexually assaulted. The attacker fled, and the young woman drove the wounded Arndt to seek help.
Despite a thorough investigation, no suspect was identified at the time.
“That attack rocked the community for several years,” said Sheriff Johnson. “It left a lasting trauma that still exists today.”
Arrest and Extradition
Schmidt was arrested in Arizona and charged with murder and sexual assault. Officials are now working to extradite him to California. As of July 25, he does not yet have an attorney listed in public records.
The attack took place in the small town of Burney, which is about 215 miles north of Sacramento.
