Wisconsin cold case solved 65 years later, revealing tragic death of adopted child

MEQUON, Wis. (WFRV) – Authorities in southeastern Wisconsin have identified the remains of a child found in 1959 in a Wisconsin culvert, closing a 65-year-old cold case with the help of genetic genealogy.

The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office announced that the remains belong to Chester A. Breiney, a seven-year-old whose life ended "traumatically at the hands of his adoptive parents." The discovery follows extensive investigative efforts involving DNA analysis and family history research.

Chester's remains were originally found on Oct. 4, 1959 in Mequon. At the time, investigators had few clues beyond skeletal remains, initially estimating the age of the child to be between six and eight years old.

Over the years, leads in both Wisconsin and Michigan surfaced, particularly surrounding a missing child named Markku Jutila. Police questioned Markku's adoptive parents, William and Hilja Jutila, who admitted to leaving their adopted son's body on the roadside near Mequon after he died.

However, in 1966, charges against the Jutilas were dropped due to a lack of conclusive evidence linking the remains to Markku, leaving the case unresolved.

In recent years, renewed efforts have led to a breakthrough. Special Agent Neil McGrath, Detective Scott Heller, and forensic analysts from the Wisconsin Department of Justice used modern DNA extraction and genealogy techniques, partnering with labs and genealogists to match the remains to Chester Breiney, previously known as Markku Jutila.

Further investigation revealed a history of neglect and malnutrition in Chester's skeletal analysis. His adoptive parents, both of whom died in 1988, can no longer be prosecuted.

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In a statement, the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office expressed hope that Chester Breiney may now rest in peace, saying, "No child should leave this Earth like Chester did."

The office acknowledged the teamwork of all investigative parties over the decades, noting that without such collaboration, justice for Chester might never have been achieved.