APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — DNA evidence tying Gene Meyer to the 1988 murder of Betty Rolf will be allowed at trial, a judge ruled Monday.
Gene Meyer, 67, is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree sexual assault for the death of Betty Rolf. Rolf’s body was found Nov. 7, 1988 in Grand Chute, just outside the Appleton city limits. Meyer was charged in December 2022 after DNA from the scene matched evidence taken from Meyer’s truck. The trial is scheduled to start April 1.
The defense argues the swab taken from the truck, without a warrant, was a violation of Meyer’s Fourth Amendment rights. Prosecutors argued he had no expectation of privacy on the outside of his truck parked in public.
Judge Mark Schroeder said the sample was lawfully obtained, and denied the motion.
The defense had asked permission to blame Rolf’s husband, Charles, for her death. Charles Rolf is dead.
State law requires the defense to show motive, opportunity, and connection to the case before a judge will allow such argument to be presented to the jury. With prosecutors agreeing that burden was burden, Judge Schroeder said Monday that tactic will be allowed.
A defense motion seeking to have the sexual assault charge was also denied Monday by Judge Schroeder.
