An extensive DNA investigation leads to a breakthrough in a 33-year-old cold case that had baffled St. Cloud investigators since 1991.

According to FOX 35 Orlando, St. Cloud Police Department arrested 72-year-old Gene Stuller from Apopka on Monday in connection with the 1991 murder of Julia Sue Wilbanks, charging him with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

The arrest marks a significant turning point in the investigation of Wilbanks' death, whose body was discovered on September 23, 1991, along Neptune Road.

Initial investigative efforts, which included comprehensive interviews and evidence collection, failed to identify a suspect despite extensive police work. The case remained dormant for over three decades, leaving Wilbanks' family without answers and justice seemingly out of reach.

Advanced DNA Technology Leads to Breakthrough

Modern forensic advancements proved crucial in cracking this cold case. Investigators recently submitted crime scene evidence to national and public databases, utilizing cutting-edge DNA testing methods unavailable during the initial investigation.

These technological improvements allowed detectives to process previously unusable evidence, leading them to identify Stuller as a potential suspect in March 2025.

St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke emphasized the department's commitment to pursuing justice, stating:

The St. Cloud Police Department is committed to seeking justice for Ms. Wilbanks and her family, as well as other unsolved cases. As science becomes more advanced, it gives us opportunity to solve cases that couldn't be solved in the past.

The breakthrough demonstrates how evolving forensic capabilities continue to help law enforcement agencies solve previously intractable cases. This development brings hope to families still waiting for answers in other unsolved murders across Central Florida.

Investigation Details and Crime Scene Location

The original crime scene was located approximately half a mile west of what is now known as Old Canoe Creek Road. Wilbanks, who was only 27 years old at the time of her death, became another statistic in the growing list of cold cases that plagued the early 1990s.

The location's proximity to major thoroughfares complicated the initial investigation, as it potentially allowed the perpetrator multiple escape routes and made witness identification more challenging.

The discovery of Wilbanks' body triggered an immediate response from local law enforcement. Investigators spent countless hours processing the scene, collecting physical evidence, and conducting interviews with potential witnesses. Despite their thorough approach, the limitations of forensic science in 1991 prevented them from connecting the available evidence to a specific suspect.

Cold Case Investigation Process

The decision to reexamine the Wilbanks case exemplifies the department's dedication to solving cold cases. Investigators meticulously reviewed old case files, re-interviewed witnesses where possible, and identified evidence suitable for modern testing methods. This systematic approach, combined with technological advances, proved instrumental in identifying Stuller as a suspect.

The cold case unit's persistence in pursuing new leads and utilizing modern forensic techniques demonstrates the evolution of investigative capabilities. Their methodical approach to reviewing and processing evidence shows how technological advancements can breathe new life into decades-old investigations. The success of this case may encourage other departments to revisit their cold case files with fresh perspectives.

Justice After Three Decades

Gene Stuller now faces serious criminal charges that could result in substantial prison time if convicted. The 72-year-old Apopka resident's arrest marks the beginning of what promises to be a complex legal process. His charges include second-degree murder and disturbing a dead body or clothing/article nearby, highlighting the severity of the alleged crimes.

The arrest of Stuller represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Julia Sue Wilbanks. The charges filed against him reflect the serious nature of the alleged crimes and the strength of the evidence gathered through advanced DNA testing. While the legal proceedings are just beginning, this development brings hope to other families still waiting for answers in similar cold cases.

The cold case breakthrough demonstrates how persistence and technological advancement can lead to results even after three decades. Gene Stuller's arrest for the 1991 murder of Julia Sue Wilbanks represents a significant achievement for the St. Cloud Police Department and modern forensic science. As the case moves through the justice system, investigators continue their work, ensuring all evidence is properly processed and documented for successful prosecution.

Why This Story Matters

The resolution of Julia Sue Wilbanks' case underscores the importance of perseverance in justice and the impact of technological advancements in solving crimes. This story is pivotal not just for the communal sense of closure and justice, but also drives home the transformative power of technological advancements in forensic science.

The resolution of Gene Stuller's case, through the union of determined detective work and advanced scientific techniques, reiterates the critical nature of continued support for law enforcement and scientific research in ensuring justice prevails. This story, spanning over three decades, serves as a testament to the dedication to solving even those cases that seem forever lost to time.