Dorothy Miller, Burlington’s only female realtor, was killed at a vacant property August 18, 1969.

As the only female realtor in Burlington in 1969, 48-year-old Dorothy Miller was a ground-breaking professional. However, the very thing that made her so singular probably allowed a predator to locate her, get her alone in a vacant house, and brutally rape and kill her.

Burlington Police believe they know who killed the attractive and petite grandmother: a well-spoken, ordinary young man of average height and weight with brown hair who called himself “Robert Clark.”

A composite sketch of Dorothy Miller’s killer, based on descriptions by her husband and other witnesses.

But Clark concealed his true identity and residence through an elaborate ruse using public telephones and pick-up and drop-off locations for meetings with Dorothy.

Dorothy was not cavalier about her safety nor did she take risks. She ordinarily didn’t make appointments at night and, as a precaution, took along her husband Fred for a first evening meeting with Robert Clark.

Clark disarmed both Dorothy and Fred with his ordinary appearance, pleasant manner, and believable story about moving his wife and child from Des Moines to Burlington.

So, when he phoned Dorothy saying he needing to take photos of their potential home, she agreed to meet him alone a few nights later.

About 8:00 p.m. on August 18, 1969, Robert Clark accompanied Dorothy to a house at 118 Grand Street, followed her inside, knocked her unconscious, raped and stabbed her, and left her body in a second-floor bedroom closet.

Dorothy’s murderer — according to both 1969 and current Burlington Police officers — is likely a serial killer skilled at creating a narrative of deception leading to murder.

Dorothy Miller’s body was found in the closet of the upstairs room on the right.

In these days of cell phones, GPS, and video surveillance, the scenario leading to Dorothy Miller’s murder would be much more difficult for the killer to construct and execute.

Sadly, however, woman working alone must always be on guard and aware of their surroundings and the people they encounter.

If you have any information concerning the murder of Dorothy Miller, contact the Burlington Police Department at 319-753-8355 or submit it directly to the Iowa DCI Cold Case Unit.