Linn County Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrest in Cold Case

On May 28, 2025, Linn County, Iowa sheriff’s deputies, assisted by deputies from the Multnomah County, Oregon Sheriff’s Office and agents from the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, arrested Michael S. Schappert, age 64, of Fairview, Oregon, for the December 23, 1983, cold case murder of Ronald Lee Novak.

On December 24, 1983, a friend found Novak, age 24, deceased in an unheated room in his home at 5044 Rolling Acres Rd, in rural Walker, Iowa, after what appeared to be an apparent robbery and/or burglary. He was found with his hands bound behind his back, was beaten about his head and face, and was shot once in the chest. At the time, the medical examiner ruled that Novak died from a combination of those injuries, shock, and hypothermia.

Schappert was recently identified as a suspect in this case through blood and touch/trace DNA located on both Novak’s clothing and a hammer believed to have been used in the attack, that were seized during the initial investigation in 1983. DNA Labs International was able to provide investigators with DNA testing and Parabon Nanolabs was able to provide investigators with genetic genealogy information which assisted in Schappert’s identification as a suspect in Novak’s murder.

The investigation has revealed that Schappert and others likely went to Novak’s home with the intent to rob him of money and marijuana. While it is believed that the public is not at risk, this case remains open, and we encourage anyone with any information relative to this investigation to contact the Sheriff’s Office.

After consultation with the Linn County, Iowa Attorney’s Office, Schappert is being charged with Murder in the 1st Degree – Premeditation, in violation of Section(s) 707.1, 707.2(1)(a) or (b), 703.1, Code of Iowa, a Class A Felony. He is currently being held in the Multnomah County, Oregon jail, pending an extradition hearing to be returned to Linn County, Iowa.

“On behalf of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and our law enforcement partners, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ronald Novak. We recognize the pain and trauma that Mr. Novak’s loved ones have endured for more than 40 years while his murder went unsolved. It takes strength to endure such hardship and to remain hopeful that someday the person or persons responsible would be caught and brought to justice. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to seeing this case through,” said Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner.

“I want to thank the deputies who initially investigated this heinous murder and who had the forethought and training to properly collect and safeguard the evidence located at the scene. I also want to thank the deputies who continued to diligently pursue leads and new technologies in this case throughout the years that ultimately led to Michael Schappert’s arrest,” added Sheriff Gardner.

The Linn County, Iowa Sheriff’s Office was aided in this investigation by the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Multnomah County, Oregon Sheriff’s Office, and the Marion County, Florida Sheriff’s Office.

The DNA testing that led to Schappert’s identification and arrest was partially funded by the nonprofit Season of Justice. Season of Justice raises money to fund advanced DNA testing and supports cold case investigations. More information can be found at seasonofjustice.org.

It is noted that there is a Linn County in both Iowa and Oregon. The Linn County, Oregon Sheriff’s Office was not involved in this investigation.

Please note that if this news release contains information that a defendant will be or has been charged with a crime, it is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.