Two charged with murder in 36-year-old cold case in Tulsa

Lesley Perry, Combined DNA Index System supervisor, works in a room where DNA specimens are filed. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation figures reveal that more than 1,200 cold cases, including missing persons, exist in Oklahoma. (The Oklahoman file photo.)

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – Prosecutors say DNA evidence led to first-degree murder charges against two people for their role in the slaying of a man found tied up and beaten inside a Tulsa hotel room 36 years ago.

First-degree murder charges were filed Friday in Tulsa against a 58-year-old Texas woman and a 61-year-old Wyoming man for the 1983 murder of Anthony Baltes, a day after the 36th anniversary of  the death. Arrest warrants were issued on Friday, and it was not immediately clear if the two suspects were in custody.

Investigators believe robbery was the motive, but the case grew cold.

Attorney General Mike Hunter says DNA technology advances allowed prosecutors to link the two to the crime.

Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler declined to elaborate on the DNA evidence, saying he looks forward to presenting it in court.