Rochester Police Call For Help In Solving Two Murder Mysteries

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester Police Department has issued another request for the public's help in solving two homicide cases.

It was four years ago today that 41-year-old Robert Volgmann was last seen alive. His body was discovered in his northwest Rochester apartment four days later. Police say he died as a result of an assault in the residence.

A news release describes Volgmann 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.

Rochester Police Detective Geoff Kusick is in charge of the investigation into his death. Anyone with information is asked to contact the detective at 507-328-2898.

Get our free mobile app

It has now been nearly 17 years since 27-year-old April Sorensen was killed in her northwest Rochester home. The young woman's body was discovered on April 17, 2007 after a cable TV technician 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.

The police statement says April 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. April had no enemies and was very well liked by
everyone.

Anyone with information concerning her murder is asked to contact Police Detective Alex Kendrick at 507-328-2739.

Police Chief Jim Franklin shares, “Rochester Police Department will continue to actively investigate these homicides. We feel a deep responsibility to deliver answers, and ultimately, justice for the victims, their loved ones and our community,”

Anonymous tips can also be left for investigators by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through the organizations website rochesterolmstedcrimestoppers.com.

If a tip leads to the arrest of suspects for either homicide, the tipster may be eligible to receive a cash reward.