Press Release: Closure for a Cold Case – Boy Missing for 65 Years Finally Laid to Rest
Port Washington, Wisconsin – In a somber ceremony last Friday, the community honored the memory of Markku Jutila, a 7-year-old boy who tragically disappeared in 1958. After 65 years, a funeral Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Peter of Alcantara Church, attended by family, law enforcement, and local residents. The heartfelt service featured a children’s choir and included a burial at a nearby cemetery, bringing closure to a haunting mystery.
Originally named Chester Breiney, Markku was the adopted son of William and Hilja Jutila, who resided in Coburntown, Michigan. His remains were discovered in a culvert in Mequon, Wisconsin, shortly after his disappearance, but the case went largely unresolved for decades. Recent DNA testing and investigation by the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office led to the revelation of his birth identity.
Investigations into Markku’s death revealed a profoundly disturbing history. He was allegedly murdered by his adoptive mother in the summer of 1958. Reports indicate that William and Hilja Jutila were arrested in Chicago in 1966 after their biological children became suspicious of the couple’s inconsistent explanations regarding Markku’s absence. Upon interrogation, Hilja confessed to having fatally beaten the boy and revealed that they had disposed of his body in Wisconsin before fleeing to Chicago. Despite their confessions, the lack of concrete evidence led to the dismissal of charges against the couple in Houghton County.
The funeral marks a long-awaited chance for healing for both the family and the local community, as they grapple with the tragic legacy of Markku’s short life. This solemn occasion served as a reminder of the vigilance required in safeguarding vulnerable children.
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