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Sarasota Cops Make Arrest In 31-Year-Old Homicide Case

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TBO.com

Published: March 25, 2009

Sarasota police detectives say they have solved a murder case more than three decades old.

Kenneth Paul Auringer was arrested Tuesday in California in connection with the Oct. 20, 1978, slaying of John Allaman Jr.

Allaman was found dead in his Bird Key home, with several stab wounds to his chest and back. His home had been ransacked, expensive items were stolen and his vehicle was missing, according to 1978 police reports. His vehicle was later recovered in a rest area about 30 miles west of Houston.

Over the course of 31 years, five detectives have been on the case, said Sarasota police spokesman William Spitler. During the last year, detectives were able to develop new leads in Allaman's slaying, including evidence left behind in his home and vehicle, Spitler said.

Detectives linked Auringer to the slaying after following up leads in Texas, Louisiana, California and Florida. Auringer is being held today in the Mendocino County jail in California.

Allaman was the owner of the Atlantic Ice Co. and well known in the Sarasota community. He was a member of the Sarasota Rotary Club and the Sarasota and Bird Key Yacht Club.

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