Unconditional bail has been set at $1 million for Algene Leeland Vossen, 79, formerly of Willmar, during his first court appearance in Kandiyohi County for the alleged cold case homicide dating back to the 1970s.

Vossen is facing one felony count of murder in the second degree, with intent but not premeditated. The charge carries a sentence of 40 years in prison if Vossen is found guilty.

Vossen did not enter a plea on Friday. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 24.

Mabel Herman, 74, died in her Willmar home on the 800 block of 6th St. SW on Jan. 27, 1974,

Vossen was arrested earlier this summer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota following a review of the case by Willmar Police.