Roxanne Wood Murdered in Niles Township Michigan

On the night of February 20, 1987, the small town of Niles Township, Michigan, was rocked by a brutal murder that would take 35 years to solve. Roxanne Wood, a 30-year-old woman with a promising future, was found slain in her home. Her throat had been cut, and the murder weapon—a fillet knife from her own kitchen—left behind a chilling clue.

For decades, her devastated family waited for justice. Investigators faced frustration as the case went cold due to a lack of physical evidence and forensic technology limitations. It wasn’t until February 2022 that modern DNA analysis and forensic genealogy finally led authorities to the killer: Patrick Wayne Gilham. His arrest and conviction marked the end of one of Michigan’s most infamous cold cases.

This article explores the details of Roxanne Wood’s tragic murder, the intensive investigation, the struggles of law enforcement, and the groundbreaking forensic advancements that ultimately solved this decades-old crime.

Who Was Roxanne Wood?

Roxanne Wood was a bright, kind, and ambitious young woman. She was married to Terry Wood, and the couple was known for their happy and stable life in Niles Township. Friends and family described Roxanne as someone who lit up the room and had big dreams.

She worked in a respectable job and had a promising future ahead of her. That future was brutally stolen from her on the night of February 20, 1987, leaving her loved ones with unanswered questions for more than three decades.

The Night of the Murder

On the evening of February 20, 1987, Roxanne and her husband Terry went to a local casino for a fun night out. The couple drove separately, a routine they often followed due to their schedules.

• Terry left the casino first and headed home.
• Roxanne followed shortly after in her own car.

When Terry arrived home, he walked inside and was met with a scene of horror—his wife was lying on the kitchen floor, her throat slashed.

Terry immediately called 911, and police arrived to find no signs of forced entry or robbery. The murder appeared personal, but the absence of obvious evidence or suspects made it challenging to investigate.

The Crime Scene and Early Investigation

The crime scene provided very few clues:

• Roxanne had been attacked with a fillet knife from her own kitchen.
• The wounds were precise, suggesting the killer had experience handling a blade.
• There were no signs of struggle, indicating Roxanne was likely attacked quickly.

With no fingerprints, no DNA evidence, and no witnesses, the case quickly went cold.

Despite extensive interviews, Terry Wood was never considered a suspect. His alibi was solid, and investigators believed the crime was random. However, with limited forensic technology in the 1980s, police had little to go on.

The Case Goes Cold

Over the years, investigators reviewed the case multiple times, but each lead came up empty.

• In the 1990s, forensic testing was re-examined, but there was still not enough evidence to make an arrest.
• In the early 2000s, DNA analysis improved, but it wasn’t advanced enough to solve the case.
• By 2010, Roxanne’s family feared they would never get justice.

Decades passed, and the case became one of Michigan’s longest-running unsolved murders. However, detectives never gave up.

The Breakthrough: Advanced DNA Technology

In 2021, the Michigan State Police Cold Case Unit took another look at Roxanne’s case using forensic genealogy—a cutting-edge technology that has solved many cold cases.

• The DNA left at the crime scene was re-examined.
• A genetic profile was created using advanced forensic genealogy.
• Investigators traced the DNA through family trees, leading them to a man named Patrick Wayne Gilham.

Gilham had a criminal record for violent offenses but had never been linked to Roxanne’s case—until now.

The Arrest of Patrick Wayne Gilham

On February 17, 2022, nearly 35 years to the day of Roxanne’s murder, police arrested Patrick Wayne Gilham at his home in South Bend, Indiana.

• Investigators secretly obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette butt to confirm the match.
• Gilham, now in his 60s, was stunned when police confronted him with the evidence.
• Under interrogation, he denied everything—but the DNA told the truth.

After decades of mystery, justice was finally within reach.

The Trial and Conviction

Faced with overwhelming DNA evidence, Gilham chose to plead no contest to second-degree murder. This plea avoided a trial but ensured he would face justice.

On November 7, 2022, Patrick Wayne Gilham was sentenced to 23 to 50 years in prison.

Roxanne’s family, who had waited 35 long years, finally saw her killer brought to justice.

Community and Family Reactions

The resolution of Roxanne’s case was bittersweet.

• Her family expressed relief but also deep sadness that it took so long.
• The Niles Township community was shocked but grateful that the killer was finally caught.
• Law enforcement celebrated the success of forensic genealogy, which is solving more cold cases every year.

Roxanne’s case became a landmark victory for cold case investigations, proving that justice delayed is not always justice denied.

The Legacy of Roxanne Wood

Roxanne’s tragic murder left a lasting impact.

• Her case inspired advancements in cold case investigations.
• It proved that DNA technology can solve cases decades later.
• It gave hope to other families still waiting for justice.

Though her life was stolen, her story led to progress in forensic science, helping other victims get justice.

Conclusion

The murder of Roxanne Wood was one of Michigan’s most infamous cold cases, but after 35 years, science and perseverance finally brought the truth to light.

With Patrick Wayne Gilham behind bars, Roxanne’s family can find peace, knowing that her killer can never harm another person again.

Her case stands as a testament to the power of forensic advancements, persistence in law enforcement, and the strength of a family who never stopped seeking justice.