Murder Case Solved After 55 Years: Oklahoma Man Arrested
The Unsolved Case
A Nebraska girl’s murder went unsolved for more than 55 years before an Oklahoma man was arrested and accused of being the "enraged killer" that was being sought for decades, officials said.
The Arrest
Joseph A. Ambroz, 77, was picked up by marshals in Ponca City, Oklahoma this week, after he was indicted for one count of first-degree murder for the slaying of 17-year-old Mary Kay Heese, according to a statement by the sheriff and prosecutor in Saunders County, Nebraska.
The Crime
The girl was reported missing on the night of March 25, 1969, before her body was found in a "roadside ditch south of Wahoo just after midnight," the sheriff and prosecutor said.
The Investigation
Investigators recently exhumed Heese’s body, though it wasn’t immediately clear what role, if any, unearthing the girl’s remains played in Ambroz’s arrest.
The Family’s Quest for Justice
Heese’s loved ones never lost hope that her killer would be found one day. The family maintained a Facebook page all these years, asking for the public’s help to bring justice to the teenager whose "life was taken by this enraged killer."
The Indictment
The indictment against Ambroz has not been unsealed, according to Saunders County Sheriff Chris Lichtenberg, who declined to offer any more details about what allegedly connected the elderly suspect to Heese.
Current Status
Ambroz was taken into custody on Monday and was still at the Kay County Detention Facility on Wednesday, a jail official said. Records did not indicate if Ambroz had yet hired or been assigned a defense lawyer.
Conclusion
The arrest of Joseph A. Ambroz brings closure to a decades-old case and hope to the family of Mary Kay Heese. The case serves as a reminder that justice can be served, even after many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was arrested in connection with Mary Kay Heese’s murder?
A: Joseph A. Ambroz, 77, was arrested and accused of being the "enraged killer" that was being sought for decades.
Q: How long did it take to solve the case?
A: The case went unsolved for more than 55 years before Ambroz’s arrest.
Q: What was the motive behind the murder?
A: The motive behind the murder is still unclear and has not been publicly disclosed.
Q: Is the family of Mary Kay Heese satisfied with the outcome?
A: The family’s Facebook page, which was dedicated to seeking justice for Heese, has not commented on the arrest, but it is likely that they are relieved and grateful that the case has been solved.
