83-Year-Old Man Arrested in 1995 Cold Case Disappearance of Former Roommate
FOND DU LAC COUNTY, WISCONSIN — September 21, 2026

More than three decades after James “Jim” Ruland disappeared in Wisconsin, authorities have arrested his former roommate and charged him with first-degree intentional homicide.

Jerome Baier, now 83, was arrested Friday at his home near Spencer, Wisconsin, in connection with Ruland’s 1995 disappearance.

Ruland Disappeared in 1995
Ruland was 40 years old when he was last confirmed seen on October 24, 1995, in the North Fond du Lac area.

A witness later reported possibly seeing him hitchhiking in the area

. His white station wagon was subsequently found at the Stretch Truck Stop in North Fond du Lac, with the keys inside and his belongings still in the vehicle.

Ruland has never been found.

Former Roommate Now Charged
Baier was Ruland’s roommate at the time of his disappearance.

Investigators had previously looked at Baier in connection with the case. In the years following Ruland’s disappearance, Baier pleaded no contest in a separate case involving forged checks connected to Ruland.

However, authorities said the investigation did not initially provide enough evidence to charge him in Ruland’s disappearance.

Decades of Searches
Over the years, investigators conducted extensive searches for Ruland and his remains.

Authorities used human-remains detection dogs, ground-penetrating radar, aerial searches, large excavations and divers searching waterways. Investigators also searched a pig farm and other potential burial locations.

Ruland’s remains have still not been recovered.

New Forensic Testing
In 2021, investigators requested additional testing of evidence previously submitted to the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory.

Authorities said the resulting forensic information helped corroborate information obtained through interviews and other investigative work.

After decades of investigation, detectives said they developed probable cause to arrest Baier on a homicide charge.

Baier was scheduled to make his initial court appearance on September 21. The criminal complaint was sealed at the time of the initial reports, so authorities had not publicly disclosed all of the evidence supporting the charge.

The Investigation Continues
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and Marathon County Sheriff’s Office have worked on the case.

Authorities are continuing to investigate Ruland’s disappearance and are still seeking information that could help determine what happened to him.

Baier is accused of the killing and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Sources
FOX 11 News — Arrest in 1995 cold case murder
WBAY — Arrest in James Ruland disappearance
FOX6 Milwaukee — 1995 Wisconsin cold case arrest
WSAU/WAOW — Investigation and arrest details