DNA on coffee cup leads to arrest of man, 51, for two violent rapes on golf courses in Michigan and Pennsylvania over 20 years ago: Cops say there may be MORE victims after genetic genealogy breakthrough
- Kurt Rillema, 51, was arrested in connection to two violent rapes 24 years ago
- The rapes occurred in Michigan and Pennsylvania in 1999 and 2000
- At the time, the cases went cold but police confirmed the DNA was a match
A 51-year-old man from Michigan was arrested for two violent rapes on East Coast golf courses from 24 years ago when cold case detectives matched the crime scene DNA to his coffee cup.
Kurt Rillema was arraigned on April 18 in connection to a 1999 rape at the Twin Lakes Golf Club in Michigan and another in 2000 at a Penn State University golf course.
The cases went cold after police couldn’t identify a suspect despite confirming the DNA at both incidents was a match in 2004. It wasn’t until 2021 that detectives in both states attempted to find another way to identify the suspect.
Using genetic genealogy, police were able to narrow down the results to three people, Rillema and his two brothers.
Investigators eventually got their hands on a styrofoam coffee cup Rillema used and confirmed he was a match, police announced last week.
Kurt Rillema, 51, was arrested in connection to two violent rapes 24 years ago. The rapes occurred in Michigan and Pennsylvania in 1999 and 2000
Rillema, who lives in West Bloomfield, was at the Twin Lakes Golf Club located in Oakland Township, Michigan when he allegedly entered an employee only area and attacked a 22-year-old woman.
He immediately left the area but his DNA was at the scene, according to Law and Crime.
Less than a year later on July 27, 2000, Rillema allegedly attacked a woman, 19, who was jogging on the Blur Course at Penn State University.
While at the 18th hole, Rillema supposedly stopped the victim to ask her for a bandaid.
Rillema then pulled out a knife, held it to her throat, punched her in the stomach and rapped her, the victim told police.
Rillema, who lives in West Bloomfield, was at the Twin Lakes Golf Club located in Oakland Township, Michigan when he allegedly entered an employee only area and attacked a 22-year-old woman in an employee only area
Less than a year later on July 27, 2000, Rillema allegedly attacked a woman, 19, who was jogging on the Blur Course at Penn State University (above)
Rilema was arrested while at his home and charged with first and second degree sexual conduct.
The places he attacked had no cameras or witnesses, according to Centre Daily Times.
Police described Rilema as a businessman and golfer and believe there are other victims.