Summary
In January 1983, a newborn baby girl was found on the side of the road on Main Street in the City of Blaine, Minnesota. Blaine is a suburb to the north of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The Blaine Police Department and Anoka County Sheriff’s Office immediately began their investigation into the baby’s death. An autopsy was performed and the medical examiner was unable to confirm whether the full-term baby, whose placenta was still attached, had been born alive. The infant was buried at a local church cemetery in a community funeral, becoming known as "Rachel Marie Doe." Despite an intensive investigation, the parents could not be identified and the case went cold.
Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP128125. In 2024, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office’s Cold Case Homicide Unit submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas where scientists determined that advanced DNA testing could help to identify the infant.
We are proud to give all who were affected by this story some closure.Othram scientists produced a usable DNA extract from the forensic evidence, enabling the development of a comprehensive DNA profile using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads, which included potential relatives of the parents. These leads were returned to law enforcement for a follow-up investigation.
This renewed investigation led officials to the likely parents of the infant who were both interviewed by law enforcement. "Many law enforcement professionals throughout these decades have worked to bring answers to this sad situation, and we are proud to give all who were affected by this story some closure," said Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise. The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office declined to file charges because they were not able to definitively establish a manner of death.
If you would like to support efforts to solve more cases like this, consider contributing your DNA profile to the DNASolves database which aids law enforcement in solving case and giving communities the answers they deserve.
The identification of the infant represents the 3rd case in the State of Minnesota where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Minnesota 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.