After 35 Years, Authorities Solve Traci Hammerberg Murder Case

OZAUKEE COUNTY, WI — Authorities in Ozaukee County say they've solved a 35-year-old cold case in the murder and rape of Traci Hammerberg.

The Ozaukee County Sheriff's office announced this week investigators used DNA evidence to identify Phillip Cross as Hammerberg's killer.

Hammerberg, who was 18 years old at the time of her death, was killed on the night of Dec. 15, 1984 in the Town of Grafton.

Authorities at the time reported finding her body beaten and partially nude in a driveway the following morning. Investigators determined she had been raped, strangled and hit with a heavy metal object.

Sheriff's officials said they recovered DNA evidence on Hammerberg's body in 1984, however were unable to track down a suspect.

During a press conference held Tuesday afternoon at the Ozaukee County Sheriff's office, officials said they used the FBI's forensic genealogy testing technology track down a distant cousin of Cross. Investigators said the familial DNA led them to determine that Cross was the killer. Authorities said they used the same forensic genealogy technology that was used by authorities in California to help solve the Golden State Killer cold case.

Cross died of a drug overdose in 2012, authorities said.