San Rafael Cold Case Finally Closed After 60 Years

Retired San Rafael police detectives have announced the resolution of a 1966 homicide case, identifying James Switzer as the perpetrator in the death of Marjorie Rudolph. Advances in DNA testing, combined with evidence preserved for decades, led to the breakthrough.

The Brutal Crime and Initial Investigation

Marjorie Rudolph, the 60-year-old wife of a banker, was found dead in her San Rafael home in 1966. According to retired detective Harry Barbier, Rudolph suffered a brutal attack, including severe head trauma and broken ribs. She was then dragged into a bathtub filled with water.

Details of the Attack

“This woman was struck with an unknown object on her head that caused a tremendous amount of damage and then her ribs were all broken as well,” Barbier stated. “It was a brutal homicide, then she was dragged down a hallway and thrown into a bathtub full of water.”

DNA Evidence Links Switzer to the Scene

Investigators discovered three Salem cigarettes at the crime scene, which were stored as evidence. Initial testing detected male DNA on the cigarettes, but a conclusive match wasn't possible until recently. A sample from a relative of James Switzer allowed the Othram lab in Texas to confirm a DNA match.

Confirmation and Timeline

“We can conclude that this suspect was in the house during the time that this murder happened in a certain time frame,” Barbier explained. Switzer died by suicide just eight days after Rudolph’s murder.

Case Solved, Motive Remains Unknown

While the case is now considered solved based on the DNA evidence, the motive for the crime remains unknown. Detectives emphasized the importance of solving cold cases for the sake of the victims’ families.

A Message to Potential Perpetrators

“We do it for the families, that is the main reason,” Barbier said. “We should never forget that these cases have happened and we should do everything we can to solve them. And for suspects who are walking around today and may have committed a murder and haven’t been caught yet, we haven’t forgotten about them either.”