Brighton Police said the lack of DNA evidence from other individuals and a timeline are what led investigators to believe a man killed his wife 37 years ago.

James Krauseneck is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife back in 1982. Cathleen Krauseneck was killed when an ax was lodged into the back of her head inside the couple's Brighton home, while their 3-year-old daughter was in the home.

Krauseneck was arrested on Friday following a grand jury indictment originating from a four year, intensive Brighton Police Department investigation. 

According to police, Krauseneck originally said he was at work at the time of the murder. But investigators believe evidence proves otherwise. 

“We believe in examining the timeline of events, speaking with witnesses and James’ timeline that he established, will establish that he was home at the time of the murder,” Brighton Chief David Catholdi said.

“In 1982, there were not computers. Our files were not digitized. One of the first things the FBI did was to convert everything from handwritten paper to digital, searchable files. The investigators had a theory, had a way which way to go,” Former Brighton Chief Mark Henderson added.

Folks in Brighton say it's been a long time coming and they applaud the police department for making an arrest.

"I think it’s a testament to the police force for, first of all, that they are still making an arrest and that they didn't give up on it. And also, just the technology to go back that far and  still recognize whatever evidence they need and be able to tie it to the case," said Brighton resident Olivia Green.

Krauseneck and his daughter moved out of state after the homicide. At the time of his wife’s murder, Krauseneck was an economist at Kodak Company, had a career, and retired as vice president of a Fortune 500 company.

Krauseneck was arraigned in Monroe County on Friday. It's believed he made bail and returned to his home in Arizona. His trial is scheduled for June.