Saginaw Man to Stand Trial for 2003 Cold-Case Murder

LANSING – Today, Jason Cabello, 47, of Saginaw, was bound over to stand trial in 10th Circuit Court in Saginaw County for the alleged 2003 murder and sexual assault of Jeanette Wilton, 57, of Saginaw, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. He was charged in December 2024 with one count of First-Degree Premeditated Murder, one count of Felony Murder, and one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. Each count carries a potential life sentence. 

On February 22, 2003, Wilton was found dead in the Flint River near her Saginaw home. An autopsy concluded Wilton died of strangulation and multiple stab wounds to the neck.  Wilton also sustained blunt force trauma to the head and face, contusions, and postmortem abrasions. 

Cabello, who had previously been in a relationship with a relative of Wilton but was not otherwise known to be associated with her, was linked to the case earlier this year following further DNA evidence analysis. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Third District Cold Case Team reopened the investigation in 2021, nearly 20 years after the murder of Wilton, to further analyze evidence in the case following advancements in DNA testing capabilities. Through collaborative investigative efforts involving Western Michigan University's Cold Case program and the MSP laboratory, MSP was able to submit reanalyzed evidence to a private lab using a cold case grant to fund the reexamination, which developed new leads for MSP investigators. In September 2024, MSP referred the case to the Department of Attorney General to review for potential criminal charges. 

Any individuals who believe they have been victims of assault by Jason Cabello are encouraged to contact MSP D/Sgt. Bill Arndt at 989-615-6257 or email. 

“For more than a decade, Jeanette’s loved ones have lived without answers, but with these charges, we are now one step closer to delivering long-awaited justice,” said Nessel when announcing the charges. “I want to thank the Michigan State Police, whose incredible efforts made this breakthrough possible. Their work proves that no case is too cold to be solved, and no victim is forgotten." 

“I want to thank our Third District Cold Case Team and partners at the Michigan Department of Attorney General for renewing investigative efforts in recent years,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police, when charges were announced. “Our MSP forensic scientists are doing remarkable work and played a very important role in reexamining decades old evidence to ensure the next steps could be taken with a private laboratory. I hope Jeanette’s family finds comfort knowing we never gave up.” 

A pre-trial date has not yet been set.