The Beaufort County Sheriff's Department has announced the arrest of Cortez Sabino Lake, 76, in a 1987 cold case investigation. Lake is charged with murder in connection with the death of Margit Shuller.
Shuller was found shot to death on the night of Nov. 1, 1987 near the laundry room of the Palmetto Apartments in Burton. Investigators say a trail of blood leading from the laundry room to the far end of the complex was believed to be that of the assailant. Evidence indicated the shooter was injured during the crime—which would be critical in solving the case.
In the years following, several persons of interest were identified but investigators say, none could be definitively linked because of limitations in forensic science.
Following advanced DNA analysis in 2019 at Parabon Nanolabs, composite sketches of what the unknown suspect might have looked like, at ages 25 and 55, were developed. The analysis, coupled with hours of genetic genealogy research, would later identify Lake as the suspected killer.
Lake lived in the same apartment complex as Schuller at the time of her murder. Originally from Illinois, he served in the United States Navy while stationed in Beaufort County.
Investigators believe there may still be individuals who have information connected to the homicide. Anyone with information may call 843-816-8013. For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips may be submitted through the P3 Tips app, online at tipsbft.com, or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7283).
An entire news release with more about the death of Shuller and efforts to revitalize the case can be found here. Lake is currently in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center.