Modern technology leads to break in decades-old cold case involving Putnam County woman

It's been 32 years since 20-year-old Susan Negersmith was found dead in Wildwood, New Jersey.

News 12 Staff

Apr 11, 2022, 10:24 PM

Updated 977 days ago

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A decades-old cold case involving a Putnam County woman got the big break it needed thanks to modern technology.
It's been 32 years since 20-year-old Susan Negersmith was found dead in Wildwood, New Jersey. Negersmith's stepmom Colleen Negersmith and the rest of her family have been waiting for a big break in the case and they finally got it.
Last week, Cape May County prosecutors charged 62-year-old Jerry Rosado, of Millville, New Jersey, with second-degree sexual assault. Prosecutors were able to make the arrest thanks to DNA technology and gene analysis.
"I'm so grateful that the DNA technology has come around and that we were able to get this guy," says Negersmith.
An autopsy found that Susan had been sexually assaulted.
Prosecutors say more charges could be added.
Susan's father spent years trying to get justice for his daughter and died a few years ago.
"I know he's with her," says Negersmith. "That they're together and he would be very happy, feeling relief. I think we are all feeling a bit of relief."