By Larry Judkins
Glenn County Observer
Justice is sometimes slow in arriving, but it is better than no justice at all.
On Monday, July 22, the Cloverdale Police Department, located in Sonoma County, Calif., announced a breakthrough in a 42-year-old cold case involving a 13-year-old girl who was raped and murdered. The suspect in this 1982 crime is James Unick, now 62, of Willows.
The department’s press release states, “The Cloverdale Police Department has announced a major breakthrough in the decades-old Sarah Geer murder case, bringing closure to a tragic event that has haunted the community for over forty years. The cold case, dating back to the 1982 murder of 13-year-old Sarah Ann Geer, has finally been resolved.
“Former Police Chief Jason Ferguson, who reopened the investigation in July 2021, retired in December 2023. His successor, Chief Chris Parker, continued the pursuit of justice alongside private investigator Kevin Cline and Cloverdale Detective Katie Vanoni.
“Sergeant Borruso initially took charge of the investigation in 2021, meticulously reviewing evidence and conducting interviews. A male DNA profile was identified from the evidence and through the use of modern DNA genetic genealogy technology, this dedicated team has successfully identified and apprehended James Unick, 62, from Willows… He has been taken into custody and is being booked into the Sonoma County Jail.
“The successful conclusion of this case was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Cloverdale Police Department, Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, SERI Labs, the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and private investigator Kevin Cline.
“Cloverdale Police Chief Parker said, ‘Today represents a bittersweet victory for justice. While nothing can undo the pain inflicted upon the Geer family and our community, we can finally offer some solace in knowing that the perpetrator will be held accountable. This arrest is a testament to the dedication of our law enforcement agencies and the unwavering resolve of Cloverdale’s citizens.’
“The Cloverdale Police Department extends its gratitude to the community for their patience and support throughout the complexities of this decades-old case, which many feared would never be solved. The department also expresses deep appreciation to the Geer family for their enduring strength and cooperation throughout this prolonged process.
“Cloverdale Mayor Lands said, ‘Today, we stand united in solidarity with the Geer family as we witness the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance by our law enforcement officials. This arrest signifies not only a step towards closure but also a reiteration of our commitment to ensuring safety and justice for all in Cloverdale.’
“The Cloverdale Police Department has an unwavering commitment to provide service to the community we all share and care about.”
Suspect James Unick has lived in Willows since at least 1995. In May of 1995, Unick was charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest, exhibition of a deadly weapon (a misdemeanor), and disobeying a lawful order of the court (a misdemeanor).
The last two charges were dismissed, but Unick pled no contest to the resisting charge. He was sentenced to 36 months’ probation, a $400 fine, and 30 days in the Glenn County Jail, to be served on weekends.
Since then, Unick apparently has not committed any crimes, at least in Glenn County. However, The Observer’s police and sheriff’s logs mention Unick a number of times since February of 2013.
For example, at about 11:12 p.m. on February 23, 2013, Unick, 51 at the time, called to report that someone had just thrown an orange through his front window, then left in an unknown direction. Law enforcement officers did not find anyone. Officers made contact with Unick and took a report.
On April 14, 2017, Unick, 55 at the time, contacted a sheriff’s detective and gave him a clear plastic baggie containing an unknown white powdery substance. Unick had found the baggie on the ground at or near 600 North Humboldt Avenue. The baggie and the substance inside were transported to the sheriff’s office for destruction.
And on November 1, 2017, Unick, 56 at the time, reported receiving a phone call from 337-600-1052. The caller told Unick he owed back taxes and would be arrested unless he purchased iTunes gift cards and provided the cards’ numbers to the caller.
Unick purchased $300 in gift cards and gave the card numbers to the caller. Unick did not realize until later that he had been scammed and did not owe back taxes.
According to the sheriff’s log, Unick requested the incident be documented in efforts to alert others of the scam.
The Glenn County Observer 