DNA on coffee cup leads to arrest of man, 51, for two violent rapes on Michigan and Pennsylvania golf courses more than 20 years ago: Police say there may be MORE victims after genetic genealogy breakthrough
- Kurt Rillema, 51, was arrested 24 years ago in connection with two violent rapes
- The rapes took place in Michigan and Pennsylvania in 1999 and 2000
- At the time, things went cold, but police confirmed the DNA was a match
A Michigan man was arrested more than 20 years ago for two violent golf course rapes after detectives matched crime scene DNA to his coffee cup.
Kurt Rillema, 51, was charged April 18 in connection with a 1999 rape at Michigan’s Twin Lakes Golf Club and another in 2000 at a Penn State University golf course.
Things went cold after police failed to identify a suspect despite confirmation that the DNA in both 2004 incidents matched. It wasn’t until 2021 that detectives in both states tried to find another way to identify the suspect.
Using genetic genealogy, the 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 used by Rillema and confirmed he was a match, police announced last week.
Kurt Rillema, 51, was arrested 24 years ago in connection with two violent rapes. The rapes took place in Michigan and Pennsylvania in 1999 and 2000
Rillema, who lives in West Bloomfield, was at the Twin Lakes Golf Club in Oakland Township, Michigan when he allegedly entered an employee-only area and assaulted a 22-year-old woman.
He immediately left the area, but his DNA was at the scene, he said Law and crime.
Less than a year later, on July 27, 2000, Rillema allegedly assaulted a 19-year-old woman who was jogging on the Blur Course at Penn State University.
At the 18th hole, Rillema allegedly stopped the victim from asking her for a Band-Aid.
Rillema then pulled out a knife, held it to her throat, punched her in the stomach and raped her, the victim told police.
Rilema was arrested at his home and charged with first and second degree sexual conduct.
In Pennsylvania, Rillema is charged with rape, assault and aggravated assault.
The places he attacked had no cameras or witnesses, according to Center Daily Times.
Police described Rilema as a businessman and golfer and believe there are more victims.
Rillema, who lives in West Bloomfield, was at the Twin Lakes Golf Club in Oakland Township, Michigan when he allegedly entered an employee area and assaulted a 22-year-old woman in an employee area
Less than a year later, on July 27, 2000, Rillema allegedly assaulted a 19-year-old woman who was jogging on Penn State University’s Blur Course (above)