New DNA technology could solve 1988 cold case
CUSHING, Okla. (KFOR) — New developments exist in a 37-year-old cold case of a newborn boy found in a plastic bag on the campus of Oklahoma State University. The case dates back to 1988, but investigators now have the chance to get a glimpse into learning more thanks to new DNA technology.
Officers with the OSU Police Department reopened their investigation a year ago after someone came forward asking questions about the case.
"It was discovered that we could exhume the body and then partner with the OSUCHS on DNA testing and genealogy work to identify this infant that needs a name," said Sgt. Kyle McCool, investigations division OSUPD.
It's been a mystery since 1988.
How did the baby get there? Who does he belong to? What happened? Those are all questions left unanswered for 37 years.
"They conducted approximately six months worth of investigation with interviews, talking with local hospitals, and putting out information really across the country to garner any kind of tips," said Sgt. McCool.
The case has been cold until now.
"We pulled our case filed from 1988 and began looking at them," said Sgt. McCool.
Researchers will use new DNA technology in the OSU Center for Health Sciences in hopes of identifying the baby.
"The bones obtain DNA and that will perform the forensic genealogy analysis to try and actually identify who this young person is," said Dr. Jason Beaman, the Chair of Forensic Sciences at OSU.
After DNA is gathered, investigators will look into a database to start learning who the baby belonged to, then use obituary and census records, along with social media.
However, answers won't come overnight. Researchers said connecting the baby boy to a family may take months or even a year.
"We don't really know what the quality of the remains are going to be and how hard and challenging that's going to be for us," said Dr. Beaman.
Regardless of how long it takes, researchers hope the new technology will provide closure to a case left untouched for nearly 40 years.
"At OSU, we want to serve the state and especially in this situation, we want to serve the littlest cowboy and make sure that they're not forgotten," said Dr. Beaman.