Rochester Murder Case Is Still Open 13 Years Later

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) A Rochester murder investigation began 13 years ago Friday and remains unsolved.

 And for several Rochester police investigators, it’s a case they haven’t forgotten and never will. 

It was around 12:30 PM on April 17th, 2007 when Rochester firefighters were called to a residence to put out a  fire. The fire originated in a bedroom in the home and that’s where the firefighters also found the body of 27-year-old April Sorensen.

The 1998 graduate of Albert Lea High School returned home after attending classes earlier in the day. Investigators later determined she had been stabbed and strangled and her killer likely started the fire in an effort to destroy any evidence.

One of those involved in the investigation from its early days was Casey Moilanen, now an RPD captain. He says he has never given up hope of solving the case.

Sorensen was married and a student at Rochester Community and Technical College at the time of her murder.

Former Rochester Police Chief Roger Peterson listed the unsolved murder as one of his biggest disappointments prior to his retirement.