Fairmont, MN (KICD)– Police in South Central Minnesota have opened an investigation into a suspected homicide from nearly 50 years ago.

Martin County Sheriff Jeff Markquart says his office is actively looking into the 1975 death of JoAnn Bontjes and as part of the investigation has submitted evidence to Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Forensic Lab.

Analysis by the BCA has reportedly discovered an unknown DNA sample with investigators currently working to identify who it may belong to.

Multiple people have already been ruled out as the individual having left the sample. Anyone with information related to this murder investigation is asked to Sergeant Matt Owens at 507-238-3167.