February 8, 2006

            Lansing -- Attorney General Mike Cox today announced the arrest of Three Oaks, Michigan, resident Robert Michael Lynch, 66, for the 1979 death of Hope College student Janet Chandler.  Lynch faces first-degree murder charges issued jointly by Cox and Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney Ronald Frantz, which result from new evidence uncovered by a cold-case investigative team comprised of both Michigan State Police and Holland Police detectives.

            "Those who choose to commit heinous acts of this nature need to know that the pursuit of justice never ends," Attorney General Cox said.  "Prosecutor Frantz and I commend the hard work of the State Police and Holland Police that has been exhibited throughout this investigation.  I continue my pledge to devote the resources of my office to help those families devastated by such a senseless act and to hold the perpetrators responsible."

            The 23-year old Chandler disappeared while working the night shift at the desk of the Blue Mill Inn in Holland on January 31, 1979.  She was discovered missing when Holland Police responded to a robbery call from the Blue Mill Inn.  A snowplow driver discovered Chandler's body nearly twenty-four hours later adjacent to a turn-around on I-196.

            It is alleged that at the time of Chandler's murder, Lynch was employed as a security guard on assignment at a local labor strike.  Lynch was temporarily living at the Blue Mill Inn along with many other fellow guards.  If convicted, Lynch faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

            Ottawa County Prosecutor Ron Frantz said, "Once the cold case investigation determined that Janet Chandler was murdered in our county, the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office joined with the Attorney General, Michigan State Police, and Holland Police Department in a combined effort to bring those responsible to justice."

            Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff said, "This is a significant day for the Chandler family, the Holland Police Department and the Holland community.  This open wound that has been with the family and the department for 27 years can finally start to heal.  Since the day the cold case investigation was announced, in April 2004, investigators assigned to this case were certain they could solve it. Their unwavering determination has brought us to this point; however, the investigation is not finished. Mr. Lynch is cooperating with investigators and his cooperation is leading to further information surrounding this case. As a result there are other individuals suspected of being involved; thus, this case will remain open and active until all investigative leads are exhausted."

            Holland Police Chief John Kruithoff added, "Due to the large number of people possibly having information regarding this case, investigators went to 18 different states and conducted over 300 interviews. We have appreciated the cooperation from the numerous local, county and state police agencies throughout the country that have assisted in this investigation. Special thanks goes to the Michigan State Police Violent Crimes Unit and Forensic Science Division, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and his special investigators, the FBI Forensic lab, the Ottawa County Medical Examiners Office and the Ottawa County Prosecutors office for their expertise and assistance."

            Michigan State Police Major Barry Getzen said, "Task force detectives have painstakingly re‑interviewed witnesses and followed new leads over the past two years resulting in today’s announcement of criminal charges against Robert Lynch. We are mindful of the emotional impact this announcement has on Janet’s family and hope this prosecution brings them long‑overdue closure."

            "I am proud that our office was a partner in helping to bring justice to one family, to be a voice for a victim, and to help bring closure to a terrible, terrible tragedy," Attorney General Cox concluded.

            This case is the latest assigned to the Attorney General's Office of Special Investigations, formed by Cox in 2003 to investigate and prosecute public corruption cases and cold case homicides.  The unit has conducted more than 50 public corruption investigations and convicted serial killers Coral Watts and John Rodney McRae.

            A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

            For more information, contact Ron Frantz, Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney, at (616) 846-8215 or Craig Bunce, Assistant Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney, (616) 392‑1446;  John A. Kruithoff, Chief of Police, Holland Police Department at (616)355-1120; Major Barry Getzen, Michigan State Police at (517) 336-2000; and Rusty Hills or Melissia Christianson, Office of the Attorney General at (517) 373-8060. 

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