In a significant development regarding a cold case, Michael Raymond Popp, a 60-year-old man from Tomah, Wisconsin, has been charged with the 1985 murder of Terry Dolowy, a 24-year-old college student.
Dolowy, originally from River Forest, Illinois, disappeared on February 14, 1985, and her decapitated body was discovered days later in a roadside culvert in Vernon County. Notably, her head has never been found.
Authorities allege that Popp was acquainted with Dolowy, who was a senior at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse at the time of her disappearance.
He lived nearby and had interactions with her and her fiancé. Investigators noted that Dolowy had left her purse at home, did not have her car, and her dog was missing when she vanished.
The case remained cold for decades until new evidence emerged. In January 2023, DNA samples from Popp matched material found during Dolowy’s autopsy.
Initially, Popp described his relationship with Dolowy as casual, but after being confronted with the DNA evidence, he admitted to a maybe affair lasting six to eight months.
He has since denied any involvement in her death, asserting that he is not a violent person.
Popp was arrested on Monday and is being held at the Vernon County Jail on a $1 million cash bail. As of now, he has not retained an attorney to represent him in this serious case.
Blue & Gold NLR Team is a dedicated journalist at blueandgoldnlr.com, where he provides insightful and up-to-date news coverage. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Blue & Gold NLR Team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His work ensures readers stay informed about the latest events and developments.