Kent Police reveal details of how 44-year-old unsolved murder case was solved using DNA

KENT, Washington — The 44-year-old unsolved murder case of Dorothy “Dottie” Silzel was recently solved by Kent Police through forensic DNA analysis.

Kenneth Kundert, 65, of Clinton, Arkansas, was arrested on first-degree murder charges in this case.

On February 23, 1980, 30-year-old Silzel was last seen leaving her shift at a local pizza parlor. Due to concern from her friends and family, Silzel was checked out and officers found her dead in her condominium on February 26, 1980.

An autopsy report conducted by authorities revealed that the cause of death was homicide.

Sergeant Tim Ford of the KPD was the lead investigator on the case, working with other detectives, FBI agents, and the King County District Attorney's Office. The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office in Arkansas also played a key role in solving the case.

In September 2023, Kent investigators began investigating possible suspects living in Van Buren County. The VBCSO was contacted to assist in the investigation. On August 20, 2024, officers and investigators from the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office and the 20th Drug Task Force assisted the KPD in the arrest of Kundert.

His bail was set at $3 million in cash or surety.