Rochester Police Seek Help In Two Unsolved Murder Cases

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Another year without answers has come and gone for a pair of unsolved Rochester murder cases.

The Rochester Police Department issued its annual call from members of the public to step forward with information that could solve two cold case murder investigations.

This week was the anniversary of each homicide.

Rochester Police Renew Request for Information for Unsolved Murder Cases

Robert "Bobby" Volgmann was found dead on April 16, 2020 in his apartment. He was 41 years old.

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April Sorenson was 27 when she was killed in her northwest Rochester home on April 17, 2007.

Bobby Volgmann Remembered as "Jack of All Trades"

Volgmann was last seen alive on April 12 of 2020, which was Easter Sunday that year. Police say he was found beaten to death.

Volgmann was described as a "jack of all trades" who could fix anything and loved building bicycles. He also loved to travel and dreamed of moving to Hawaii.

Sorenson Shared a Love for Her Family & Running

Sorenson’s body was discovered by a TV technician, who arrived at the residence for a scheduled appointment and spotted smoke coming through a window.

Rochester firefighters responded to extinguish the fire and discovered her body in her bedroom.

Investigators determined that the fire was not an accident, and an autopsy confirmed that she had been strangled and stabbed before the fire was started.

Sorenson is remembered as someone who worked hard at everything she did and was studying to become a dental hygienist.

She was close with her family. They shared a love for running and ran several races together. Police say she had no enemies and was very well liked by everyone.

How to Report Info

Anyone with information about either case is asked to contact Sgt. Pankratz at 507-328-6800.

Tipsters may also report information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or text tips to Crime Stoppers using the P3 Tips app (available at Google Play or App Store).

Tipsters who provide information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward, police say.

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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross