FBI, State Police Identify 'Baby Jane Doe' In 3-Decade-Old Cold Case

WAWAYANDA, NY — A more than 30-year-old cold case has been closed, thanks to emerging science, and old-fashioned shoe leather.

The New York State Police, Troop F BCI, in collaboration with the FBI, announced the successful identification of Slate Hill’s "Baby Jane Doe" through Investigative Genetic Genealogy, followed by an extensive joint investigation.

On February 10, 1992, the New York State Police responded to a report about the discovery of partially burned remains of an infant at a property located on South Plank Road in the Town of Wawayanda.

Investigators determined that the infant had been discarded in the winter of 1991 and was estimated to be between 7 to 10 days old at the time of death.

For over 30 years, the identity of the infant remained unknown. However, through a partnership with the FBI and the application of relatively new Investigative Genetic Genealogy techniques, both the biological mother and father of the infant were positively identified.

The biological father of the infant has been questioned, and thoroughly investigated. He is not considered a suspect in this case. The baby’s mother is dead, and the investigation is now considered closed, according to New York State Police.