JC police help arrest suspect in 1999 case

Jefferson City police helped in the arrest of a woman wanted in connection with a Florida murder case from 1999.

Jefferson City Police Department investigators worked with authorities from Jacksonville, Florida, along with the Columbia Police Department, JCPD spokesman Lt. David Williams said in a news release Friday afternoon.

Florida authorities tracked Melissa J. Schafer, 50, to Jefferson City and were able to take her into custody for her involvement in the crime.

During a press conference Friday afternoon, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Pat Ivey said a retired sheriff’s detective, William Baer Jr., 64, and his ex-wife, Schafer, were taken into custody. Ivey said the killing occurred May 17, 1999.

The victim was identified as Saad Kawaf, 39. Ivey said Kawaf and his wife were attacked by Baer and Schafer. Authorities believe Baer and Schafer stabbed Kawaf multiple times. Kawaf’s wife was tied up and $30,000 in cash was stolen from their home.

In 2003, two DNA profiles were developed. In May of this year, authorities developed profiles of the suspects through genetic genealogy testing, Ivey said. Two weeks ago, the lab provided potential names of the suspects.

Ivey said Baer had contact with Kawaf through his assignment as an intelligence detective with the sheriff’s office. Baer served with the department for 27 years.