Spencer Man Arrested in Connection with Fond du Lac County Cold Case

Monday, September 21st, 2026 -- 3:00 PM

(Desiree Fischer, WSAW) A Spencer man was arrested Friday in connection with a cold-case homicide in Fond du Lac County.

According to Desiree Fischer with WSAW, Jerome Baier, 83, is suspected in the 1995 death of his former roommate, 40-year-old James “Jim” Ruland. Ruland was last seen in October of 1995 in the North Fond du Lac area.

Baier was arrested early Friday morning at his home in Spencer. He is facing one charge of first-degree murder. Investigators have been searching for Ruland for 31 years. Search efforts have included human remains detection K9s, ground-penetrating radar, aerial searches, large-scale excavations of potential burial sites, public safety divers searching waterways, and detectives searching a pig farm manure pit.

In 2021, advances in forensic testing technology helped corroborate witness interviews and evidence. Although Ruland’s remains have not been found, continued investigation provided investigators with enough probable cause to make an arrest.

Baier is in custody in the Fond du Lac County Jail and is scheduled to make a court appearance Monday.

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