Cold Case Files: "Killer On Campus – The Bow Hunter"

Date: January 20, 2026
Host: Paula Barros
Podcast: Cold Case Files (A&E / PodcastOne)

Episode Overview

This episode of Cold Case Files revisits two riveting Michigan cold cases: the murder of University of Michigan law student Jane Mixer in 1969 and the unsolved slaying of bowhunter Charles Murray in 1993. Through gripping interviews and detailed forensic analysis, the episode explores how advances in DNA technology, dogged detective work, and even unexpected psychological tactics brought long-delayed justice—and left lingering questions.

Segment 1: The Jane Mixer Case – "Killer on Campus"

[00:58–25:42]

The Crime: 1969 Murder of Jane Mixer

• In March 1969, 23-year-old Jane Mixer was found shot and strangled atop a grave in a Michigan cemetery. She had posted on a ride board at the University of Michigan law school looking for transportation to Muskegon. Her body was discovered amidst her suitcase and belongings nearby.
• “Her garments were pulled up, exposing her genitalia… there might have been an attempt at assault or rape. We didn’t know at the time.” (Don Bennett, Crime Scene Officer, [03:02])

Initial Investigation

• A phone book found near the crime scene with “Mixer, Muskegon” scrawled was one of few clues.
• The most obvious suspect, a David Johnson (name found in Jane’s phone book and note), quickly established a solid alibi.
• Mixer was initially believed to be a victim of a local serial killer, John Norman Collins, who had murdered other coeds around Ann Arbor, but police couldn’t confirm the link.

“Although she was shot, she still had the pantyhose wrapped around her neck. ... That was what happened to the prior one.” (Ken Krause, Detective, [06:38])

Cold for Decades

• The case went cold after Collins’ arrest for a similar murder failed to yield a connection. Mixer's file gathered dust for over 30 years.

The DNA Breakthrough

• In 2001, Detective Eric Schroeder revisited the case and submitted preserved evidence—including Jane's pantyhose—to the state lab for DNA analysis.
• Analyst Steve Milligan found male DNA on the pantyhose and a second, separate male DNA profile in a blood stain on Jane’s hand.

“Three of the stains gave a full profile… they indicated the presence of a male donor.” (Steve Milligan, DNA Analyst, [09:54])

• Neither DNA profile matched John Norman Collins. In 2002, the profiles were entered into the national database.

The John David Rulis Mystery

• One DNA hit matched convicted murderer John David Rulis—but he had been four years old in 1969.
• Detectives, baffled, visited Rulis in prison. He recalled being kept sedated by his mother and witnessed a bloody scene in his uncle’s garage, but his uncle’s DNA did not match the crime scene profile.

“It’s obvious pretty quick that he was only four years old... Surprised would be somewhat of an understatement, I think.” (Eric Schroeder, [11:49])

• Despite efforts, police never established a connection between young Rulis and Mixer, nor could they explain how his blood was present at the scene.

The Real Killer: Gary Lighterman

• A second DNA hit matched Gary Lighterman, a nurse at a hospital near Ann Arbor in 1969.
• When confronted, Lighterman was evasive, claiming he didn’t recall Mixer and suggesting any contact would have been from casual encounters, but his DNA on multiple locations of the victim’s pantyhose was damning.

“You didn’t meet her in a bar. ... The DNA, where it’s at, how it is, directly puts you there.” (Detective Schroeder, [18:03])

The Trial and Lingering Doubts

• At trial, the prosecution focused on the physical evidence, while the defense hammered on the inexplicable presence of Rulis’ blood:

“Those answers are evidence, and that’s what’s so troubling about this case.” (Gary Gabry, Defense Attorney, [23:46])

• Jurors ultimately found the DNA evidence against Lighterman overwhelming despite the unresolved Rulis question.

“I’m fairly certain that we made the right decision and that Gary Lighterman was guilty of this crime.” (Steve Kestin, Juror, [25:17])

• Lighterman was sentenced to life. The Rulis DNA remains a forensic mystery.

Segment 2: The Bow Hunter – Charles Murray

[26:07–44:44]

The Crime: 1993 Bowhunter Killing

• Charles Murray, 33, vanished after heading to northern Michigan for bowhunting. His mother (Sandy) and half-brother (Matthew) alerted authorities after he failed to return.
• Officer Theo Helms, suspicious of Matthew’s evasiveness, discovered Murray’s body—a single bullet wound to the head.
• A sketch was produced based on a sighting by fellow hunters, but leads dried up.

The Cold Case Reopened

• Ten years later, Detective Sgt. Robert "Bronco" Lesneski dusted off the file.
• After local news coverage, Sgt. Greg Potts called in with a tip: serial killer Ronald Brown, recently paroled and accused in a nearby murder, fit the profile and timing.

“In my mind, he’s a serial killer that got out for about three months ... and, you know, committed two murders. That’s huge.” (Greg Potts, [31:52])

• Brown’s mugshot matched the original sketch almost exactly.

Getting a Confession: Playing "Hard to Get"

• Bronco began visiting Brown in prison to build rapport. Brown, already serving life for other murders, relished the psychological one-upmanship.
• Psychologists Dr. Wolford and Dr. Comer suggested Bronco become distant—to "play hard to get" and exploit Brown’s need for attention and control.

“You got to start playing hard to get. That's exactly it.” (Dr. Wolford, [39:40])

• After Bronco stopped all contact, Brown became desperate, writing to both Bronco and the prosecutor, ultimately demanding to confess.

The Confession

• Brown’s confession was eerily cold:

“He got shot three times about 50 yards away. Three times with a 12 gauge, double buck shells and he fell out the tree. ... I shot him for no reason.” (Ron Brown, [43:28])

• Brown pleaded guilty to manslaughter; Bronco's psychological gambit paid off.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the campus murders epidemic:
  "It just permeated everybody’s subconscious. ... It was very scary." (Maryanne George, [07:21])

• On frustrating dead ends:
  "We’ve been asked many times, do you have an established on paper link between John Rulis [and] Jane Mixer? No, absolutely not. We don't. But we do have the DNA." (Det. Schroeder, [14:19])

• Trial commentary:
  "She became more than just a terrible mugshot in an old newspaper. She became this person." (Maryanne George, [22:59])

• Juror’s perspective:
  "The DNA evidence is so compelling that it’s hard to overcome. ... I’m fairly certain that we made the right decision." (Steve Kestin, [25:17])

• On serial killer Ronald Brown:
  "He’s a scary dude and he’s a bad dude. ... He’s psychotic." (Bronco Lesneski, [35:21])

• Psychologists' insight:
  "The second most important person in his life may be you." (Psychologists on Brown’s fixation with Bronco, [39:13])

Timeline of Key Moments

• [01:59] – Detective Schroeder reopens Jane Mixer case
• [03:02] – Crime scene description
• [07:21] – Campus fear during serial killings
• [10:21] – Two unknown male DNA profiles emerge
• [11:32] – Blood on Jane’s hand matches John David Rulis
• [17:18] – Gary Lighterman becomes a suspect
• [19:45] – Lighterman arrested
• [22:35] – Mixer trial opens
• [25:28] – Lighterman convicted
• [28:24] – Charles Murray’s body discovered
• [31:52] – Ronald Brown emerges as lead suspect
• [35:21] – Bronco Lesneski targets Brown
• [39:40] – Psychologists suggest “hard to get” strategy
• [41:06] – Brown confesses
• [43:48] – Brown pleads guilty in Murray’s case

Tone and Storytelling

The episode’s tone is relentless, clinical in its examination of puzzling forensic details, yet empathetic in interviews with family and survivors. Detective stoicism, juror candor, and the haunting calm of a serial killer all permeate the narration, making for a chilling, engrossing listen:

“He was there, so I shot him.” (Ron Brown, [43:28])

Conclusion

This gripping episode of Cold Case Files illuminates the painstaking process—and the inevitable mysteries—of solving decades-old homicides. From the unresolved anomaly of John David Rulis’ DNA to the psychological chess match with Ron Brown, it’s a testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of cold case investigators—and a sobering reminder that some secrets, chillingly, may stay buried forever.