For nearly half a century, John Arthur Getreu lived a double life — a quiet family man on the surface, but behind closed doors, a cold-blooded killer whose crimes haunted investigators for decades. But thanks to breakthroughs in DNA technology, Getreu’s reign of terror has finally come to an end… 45 years after his first murder.
The Cold Case That Refused to Die
Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a string of brutal murders shook communities across multiple states. Young women were targeted, attacked, and left in remote areas. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the killer slipped through their fingers.
John Arthur Getreu was never a suspect — at least not publicly. Over the years, he built a life seemingly far removed from the horrors he committed. But the truth was buried in evidence, waiting for science to catch up.
How DNA Cracked the Case Wide Open
Fast forward to 2025: Cold case investigators submitted DNA evidence from one of the crime scenes to a genealogy database, sparking a breakthrough. Genetic genealogy connected the dots to Getreu, now in his late 70s, living quietly and unaware the noose was tightening.
When officers confronted him with the evidence, his reaction was reportedly one of shock — realizing decades of freedom were about to end.
Confessions and New Leads
During questioning, Getreu confessed to multiple murders, revealing chilling details that had never been made public. His cooperation is helping authorities link him to other unsolved crimes from the same era.
Justice Served — Finally
For the victims’ families, this arrest brings a painful but necessary closure. Though it took 45 years, John Arthur Getreu will now face the consequences of his actions.
With multiple life sentences likely on the horizon, this case is a stark reminder: No matter how long it takes, justice can still catch up.
