Life Sentence At 81: The Chilling Timeline Of Mary Jo Bailey’s 40-Year Cold Case Murder

The conviction of Mary Jo Bailey in 2024 for a murder committed nearly four decades ago has captivated true crime audiences worldwide, shining a stark light on a cold case fueled by jealousy and a devastating love triangle. The sheer passage of time—39 years—between the crime and the final sentencing makes this case a remarkable example of persistent investigative work and the pursuit of justice, no matter how long it takes. This detailed article, updated with information from the latest court proceedings this , delves into the life and crime of the woman who was finally brought to justice in her ninth decade.

The story of Mary Jo Bailey, who was 81 at the time of her sentencing, is a tragic narrative of a romantic rivalry that escalated into a fatal shooting. The victim, Yvonne Menke, was a young woman whose life was brutally cut short in 1985, leaving behind a mystery that would haunt the community of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, for generations. The recent legal developments, including the conviction and the subsequent life sentence, provide a definitive conclusion to one of the most enduring unsolved crimes in Polk County history.

Mary Jo Bailey: A Brief Biographical Profile and Key Case Facts

The biographical details of Mary Jo Bailey, whose full name is Mary Josephine Bailey, are intrinsically linked to the 1985 murder case that ultimately defined her later years. At the time of the crime, she was known by the name Mary Jo Lunsmann. Her life was largely unremarkable until the shocking events of December 1985 and her subsequent arrest decades later.

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• Full Name: Mary Josephine Bailey (also known as Mary Jo Lunsmann)
• Age at Sentencing: 81 years old
• Date of Crime: December 12, 1985
• Victim: Yvonne Menke (45 years old at the time of death)
• Location of Crime: Apartment complex stairwell in St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin
• Motive: Jealousy stemming from a three-way love triangle
• Arrest Location: Maricopa County, Arizona (in 2023)
• Charge: First-Degree Intentional Homicide (First-Degree Murder)
• Date of Conviction: May 30, 2024 (by a Polk County jury)
• Date of Sentencing: July 2, 2024
• Sentence: Life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years

The 1985 Cold Case: A Love Triangle Turns Fatal

The foundation of the entire case rests on a tumultuous three-way love triangle involving Mary Jo Bailey (then Lunsmann), the victim Yvonne Menke, and a shared romantic partner, Richard G.. The romantic rivalry between the two women was reportedly intense and ultimately led to the tragic events of December 12, 1985.

The Day Yvonne Menke Was Killed

Yvonne Menke, 45, was found fatally shot three times in the stairwell of an apartment complex in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. The murder weapon was a .25 caliber handgun. Although Mary Jo Bailey was a primary suspect early on due to her connection to the love triangle and known animosity toward Menke, the case went cold for decades. Investigators in the 1980s reportedly lacked the definitive forensic evidence and witness testimony needed to secure a conviction, allowing the crime to remain unsolved for nearly 40 years.

The Breakthrough: Modern Forensics and Renewed Focus

The case was officially reopened as a cold case, demonstrating the relentless pursuit of justice by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The breakthrough came through a combination of renewed witness interviews and, critically, the application of modern forensic techniques to old evidence. This tireless effort led to an arrest warrant being issued for Mary Jo Bailey, who was living in Maricopa County, Arizona, at the time.

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The evidence presented at trial suggested that Bailey had meticulously planned the murder out of extreme jealousy. Prosecutors argued that she lured Menke to the apartment complex under false pretenses and executed the shooting in a brutal act of vengeance against her romantic rival.

The Dramatic Trial and 2024 Conviction

The trial of an 81-year-old woman for a decades-old murder drew significant national media attention. The proceedings, held at the Polk County Courthouse, were the culmination of nearly four decades of unanswered questions for Yvonne Menke's family.

Key Moments of the Prosecution’s Case

The prosecution's strategy focused on establishing a clear motive and linking Bailey to the murder weapon and the scene. Testimony revealed the depth of the rivalry and Bailey’s alleged obsession with the three-way relationship. The jury was presented with evidence that convinced them beyond a reasonable doubt that Mary Jo Bailey, then known as Mary Jo Lunsmann, had intentionally and premeditatedly killed Yvonne Menke. On May 30, 2024, the Polk County jury returned a verdict of guilty on the charge of first-degree intentional homicide.

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The guilty verdict provided a long-awaited sense of closure for the victim’s family, who had spent nearly 40 years hoping to see justice served. The conviction underscored the principle that a criminal act, regardless of how long ago it occurred, can still be prosecuted effectively when new evidence or renewed focus is applied.

Sentencing and Final Judgment

The sentencing hearing for Mary Jo Bailey took place on July 2, 2024. This final judicial act officially closed the book on the cold case.

Judge Scott Nordstrand's Ruling

During the sentencing, Judge Scott Nordstrand described the crime as "brutal," emphasizing the violence and the premeditated nature of the killing. He noted the profound impact the murder had on the victim’s family and the community. Given the severity of the crime—first-degree murder—the only appropriate sentence under Wisconsin law was life imprisonment.

The judge ultimately sentenced the 81-year-old Mary Jo Bailey to life in prison. She was granted the possibility of parole, but only after serving a minimum of 20 years. This means that Bailey, due to her advanced age, will likely spend the rest of her life incarcerated, a stark and final consequence for a crime committed in a fit of jealousy nearly four decades prior. The case serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of justice and the commitment of law enforcement to solve even the most challenging cold cases.

The story of Mary Jo Bailey is a compelling addition to the annals of true crime, highlighting the devastating consequences of a romantic rivalry and the remarkable dedication required to bring a murderer to justice after almost 40 years.