Columbus County, North Carolina – After nearly half a century, a decades-old cold case has been cracked with the help of advanced DNA technology, leading to the arrest of a woman in connection with the death of a newborn baby. Cathy McKee, 71, was charged with felony concealment of the birth of a child and released on bond Wednesday, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.
The remains of the infant, discovered in a black trash bag at a Columbus County landfill in 1979, were known for years only as “Baby Doe.” Despite initial investigations, the case stalled, and the infant’s identity and the circumstances surrounding her death remained a mystery. The case was reopened two years ago by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators turned to Othram, a Texas-based forensic genealogy company specializing in identifying remains through DNA analysis, particularly in challenging cases. Othram utilizes genome sequencing and familial relationship testing, leveraging a comprehensive genetic database to establish potential leads. “We’re particularly well-known for our work, and working on evidence that is challenging, and may have failed elsewhere,” said Colby Lasyone, Chief of Staff at Othram.
The process began with extracting DNA from the limited tissue samples recovered from Baby Doe. Othram then constructed a detailed DNA profile, which was returned to investigators in Columbus County. This profile ultimately linked McKee to the infant, prompting her arrest. The company has worked on nearly 350 cases since 2018, focusing on long-unsolved mysteries.
Forensic DNA identification is a costly undertaking. Othram charges approximately $10,000 per DNA profile case, with law enforcement agencies typically bearing the financial responsibility. The successful identification in the Baby Doe case highlights the growing role of forensic genealogy in resolving cold cases that were previously considered unsolvable.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details regarding the investigation, and the case remains ongoing. McKee is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.