Clinton Man Arrested in Decades-Old Murder Case
Almost 44 years after the brutal murder of 30-year-old Dorothy “Dottie” Marie Silzel in Kent, Washington, an Arkansas man has finally been arrested and charged with her murder. Kenneth Kundert, a 65-year-old resident of Clinton, Arkansas, is now awaiting extradition to Washington state to face trial.
The case began on the night of February 23, 1980, when Silzel, a Boeing worker and Special Olympics volunteer, left her evening shift at a local restaurant. When she failed to show up for her day job at Boeing several days later, concerned friends and family requested a welfare check, which led to the tragic discovery of her body in her condominium.
Over the years, multiple detectives from the Kent Police Department worked on the case, but it remained cold until the recent advancements in DNA technology. In September 2023, investigators began researching potential suspects who had relocated to Van Buren County, Arkansas, which ultimately led them to Kundert. The breakthrough came when a discarded cigarette butt, a key piece of forensic evidence, matched DNA samples from Silzel’s body, identifying Kundert as the suspect.
Kundert’s arrest marks the end of a four-decade long journey for Silzel’s family, who finally have hope for justice. While the news is bittersweet, they have expressed gratitude towards the Kent Police Department and Detective Tim Ford for their relentless pursuit of justice. The case is another testament to the power of DNA technology in resolving cold cases.
Key Facts in the Case
- Dorothy “Dottie” Marie Silzel, 30, was murdered on February 23, 1980, in Kent, Washington.
- Silzel worked at Boeing and volunteered for the Special Olympics.
- The case remained cold for nearly 44 years until DNA evidence led to Kenneth Kundert’s arrest.
- Kundert, 65, is being held on million bail in Arkansas, awaiting extradition to Washington state.
- The arrest culminates years of effort by detectives at the Kent Police Department and other law enforcement agencies.
