Cold Case: DNA Mass Test Fails to Identify Suspect in 1981 Murder of Sonja Hurler
Kempten, 21 January 2026 – A major DNA investigation into the 1981 murder of a 13-year-old girl in the Allgäu region has failed to produce a match, leaving the 44-year-old cold case unsolved and the victim’s family without answers.
Case Overview
The 13-year-old Sonja Hurler left her home in Kempten on the night of 4 July 1981 following an argument with her mother. She was walking to her grandmother’s house in Heiligkreuz, a nearby village, when she disappeared. Her body was discovered near a barn days later. She had been sexually assaulted and murdered.
For decades, the case remained one of Bavaria’s most notorious unsolved child murders. In 2022, new forensic techniques allowed investigators to isolate a foreign DNA sample from original evidence. This led to a renewed investigation and a mass DNA screening in 2025.
Recent Investigation Efforts
In late 2025, police in Kempten requested saliva samples from approximately 300 men who were living in the vicinity of the crime scene at the time of the murder. The samples were cross-referenced with the newly discovered DNA profile. None of the tested individuals matched the genetic material.
The failure of the mass DNA test was confirmed by authorities on 20 January 2026. Investigators have stated that the evaluation of the samples is still not complete, but no matches have been found so far. The process is reportedly slow due to the prioritisation of current, active criminal cases by forensic laboratories.
Potential Link to 1973 Case
Despite the setback, police are pursuing a new line of inquiry. They are examining potential connections between the murder of Sonja Hurler and the unsolved 1973 disappearance and killing of 12-year-old Marion Baier in Zirndorf, Middle Franconia.
Both victims were young girls, both were killed in July, and both crimes involved a suspected sexual motive. Investigators are now exploring the possibility that the same perpetrator may have been responsible for both murders.
Key Facts & Timeline
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Sonja Hurler (aged 13) |
| Date of Disappearance | Night of 4/5 July 1981 |
| Location | Between Kempten and Heiligkreuz, Allgäu, Bavaria |
| Body Discovered | Near a barn, days after disappearance |
| Cause of Death | Sexual assault and murder |
| 2022 Breakthrough | Foreign DNA profile isolated from original evidence |
| 2025 Investigation | Mass DNA screening of ~300 local men |
| 2026 Result (20 Jan) | No match found between DNA profile and tested individuals |
Next Steps for Investigators
The case is scheduled to be featured on the popular German television crime appeal programme “Aktenzeichen XY… Ungelöst” (Case File XY… Unsolved) on 21 January 2026. Police hope that the national broadcast will generate new leads from the public.
Authorities are also focusing on a summer festival that took place on 4 July 1981 at the Tom Mutters School in the Kempten district of Thingers. They are appealing for anyone who attended the event, particularly former pupils from multiple regional schools, to come forward with any photographs or memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Sonja Hurler?
The 13-year-old left her home in Kempten on foot after an argument with her mother. She was walking to her grandmother’s house in Heiligkreuz when she vanished. Her body was found near a barn.
What is the new DNA evidence?
In 2022, investigators successfully isolated a foreign DNA profile from original crime scene evidence. This profile does not match any of the approximately 300 men tested in 2025.
How is the case linked to Marion Baier?
Police are investigating potential similarities between the two murders. Both victims were young girls, both were killed in July, and both crimes are believed to have involved a sexual motive. However, no formal connection has yet been established.
What are the police doing now?
They are pursuing two main lines of inquiry: the potential serial offender link and the search for new witnesses from the 1981 summer festival.