Summary
In June 1998, the remains of an unidentified infant were found near Fisher Lake in Longview, Texas, which is a city in Gregg County in northeast Texas. The Longview Police Department responded to the scene and found a newborn female infant in a trash bag who appeared to have been born healthy with evidence that she had been beaten to death, including injuries to her skull. Detectives began collecting evidence and opened a homicide investigation. Despite an exhaustive investigation, neither the baby nor the parents could be identified and the baby became known as Gregg County Baby Jane Doe (1998). She was buried at Grace Hill Cemetery in Longview. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP13675 in March 2015.
In May 2025, with funding provided by Project 525, the Longview Police Department submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the child. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the newborn. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.
This investigation led to the positive identification of the mother of the baby, who is now known to be Misty Marie Mitchell. Mitchell was interviewed by detectives and admitted to being the child's mother. Mitchell has been charged with murder. The case remains under investigation and anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Longview Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 903-237-1110.
This is the 8th case resolved as part of Othram's Project 525 initiative. Project 525, launched on May 23, 2024 in collaboration with RTI, the organization that manages the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), aims to bring resolution to five hundred twenty-five juvenile cases published in NamUs.
The identification of the infant represents the 22nd case in the State of Texas where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Texas cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.