Man Convicted in 42-Year-Old Murder Case

A decades-old mystery has reached its conclusion following the conviction of Marvin Ray Markle for the murder of 14-year-old De Anna Lynn Johnson in 1982.

Key Takeaways

De Anna Lynn Johnson’s body was discovered on railroad tracks after she went missing from a neighborhood party in 1982.
Marvin Ray Markle, aged 59, has been convicted of first-degree murder for Johnson’s killing, offering closure after more than forty years.
The case remained unsolved for years due to inadequate forensic technology, but advancements allowed for the breakthrough.
Childhood friend Mary Borchers played a crucial role in securing evidence and ensuring that justice was served.
The persistence of law enforcement and modern forensic science culminated in a long-awaited resolution.

Case Details Emerge from the Shadows

In 1982, De Anna Lynn Johnson vanished after attending a party, only to be found murdered on railroad tracks in Vacaville, California. The case, unsolved due to initial forensic limitations, finally reached a resolution when Marvin Ray Markle was convicted of her murder. At the time of her disappearance, Markle, known to many as “Ziggy,” was one of the primary suspects due to evidence pointing towards him. However, the lack of concrete forensic evidence led the case to run cold.

With the advancements in forensic science, particularly DNA analysis, retired Detective Joe Munoz played a pivotal role in using DNA evidence from Johnson’s fingernails to link Markle conclusively to the crime. Johnson’s friend, Mary Borchers, was instrumental in persistently pushing for justice, attending court sessions and maintaining evidence. Her efforts, combined with those of law enforcement, helped secure the conviction of Markle.

14-year-old’s body found on railroad tracks in 1982, CA officials say. Now man convicted https://t.co/xMur5rGqCF

— Lexington Herald-Leader (@heraldleader) March 22, 2025

Markle’s Other Crimes Surface

Marvin Ray Markle, now 59, was already serving a lengthy sentence for another murder in Butte County, the 2001 killing of Shirley Ann Pratt. His conviction in Pratt’s murder case provided prosecutors with additional evidence and strategic insights that were used to advance Johnson’s investigation. This conviction also highlighted the pattern of violent behavior exhibited by Markle over the years.

“Everybody knew, in our minds, it’s always been Ziggy, Ziggy, Ziggy. But no one ever came straight out and made it factual, so now we have that I guess,” said Borchers, Johnson’s childhood friend, expressing both relief and vindication following the conviction. The announcement of the verdict was met with gratitude by the Johnson family, Mary Borchers, and retired Detective Munoz, as justice was finally served.

Long Journey to Justice Concludes

It took many years and unwavering persistence for the closure to come. This case underscores the significance of perseverance and technological progress in achieving justice, even after several decades. The resolution serves as a testament to law enforcement’s determination and dedication to cold cases. Mary Borchers fittingly summarized the resolution by stating, “We know he’s never ever going to be getting out to hurt another person and that was my main goal.”

The combined efforts of advocacy, forensics, and judicial proceedings ensured that De Anna Lynn Johnson’s case received the attention and resolution it deserved. As this chapter closes, it inspires hope for unresolved cases to follow a similar path. The commendable work by the Solano County District Attorney’s Office and Vacaville Police Department illustrates a commitment to justice that transcends time.