Nearly two decades after Jason Royter was found stabbed to death in his Utah home, DNA evidence has finally cracked the case. Authorities announced last week that Mark Munoz, a 53-year-old homeless man, has been arrested and charged in connection with the 2005 murder.

The breakthrough came when DNA collected from the crime scene in Magna, Utah, matched a sample from Munoz, who was already in a national forensic database due to a separate arrest in another state. While details about that case weren’t disclosed, investigators confirmed it was the key to cracking Royter’s long-unsolved killing.

“These cases go cold,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera during a news conference on Friday. “Some of them go 10 years, 20 years, 50 years. But thanks to advances in forensic science, we’re able to bring justice to families like the Royters.”

Jason Royter, a father of two, had been found dead in his home with no signs of forced entry or clear motive. For years, his family waited for answers. “I know this could have stalled,” said Niki Price, one of Royter’s sisters. “They would not stop until it was done.”

Munoz, described as transient and hard to track, was arrested on Thursday. Detectives are still piecing together a motive, as Munoz has not been cooperative. “He knows what happened. We don’t,” Sheriff Rivera said.

For Royter’s family, the arrest brings a mix of relief and closure. “It has been a long 20 years,” said Stephani Perschon, another sister. “I just want to say how much of a relief this is.”

While Munoz’s legal representation remains unclear, the case highlights how perseverance and modern technology can bring justice to even the coldest cases.