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Indiana man arrested in Wisconsin homicide cold case

Posted at 8:49 AM, Nov 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-22 08:51:06-05

MARION — An Indiana man faces charges in Wisconsin in connection to a 25-year-old homicide cold case.

Authorities say DNA technology linked Willie Coleman Jr. to the 1994 homicide case.

Coleman reportedly choked 40-year-old Lula Cunnigan, ran her over with a vehicle and possibly sexually assaulted her.

Police had a breakthrough in 2015 when DNA from Cunnigan's sexual assault kit matched Coleman. According to court documents, in years since, Coleman admitted coming across the victim and having sex in a van. But blames another man for driving over her.

"It's not everyday that any police department is able to make an arrest in a 25-year-old homicide," Interim Chief Vic Wahl, Madison Police Department, said.

Madison, Wisconsin police arrested Coleman in Marion where he will be held while awaiting prosecution.