Advanced DNA analysis may be the only way to identify Missouri infant found in backpack.
THE WOODLANDS, Texas September 23, 2020
A little over a year ago, August 15, 2019, employees of McKnight Tire in Columbia, Missouri found a small backpack hidden inside of a tire and made a gruesome discovery. In the backpack was the decomposing remains of a female infant. Due to the state of decomposition, the initial autopsy was unable to determine the cause of death or how long the child may have been at the location.
The Columbia Police Department has investigated many leads over the past year but are still searching for clues as to what happened to the infant and who her parents are. "Our investigation will be the voice of this baby," Assistant Chief Jeremiah Hunter said, "And we need your help, we need the community's help, and everyone in Columbia's help."
Now, CPD has partnered with Othram in the hopes of identifying the infant. If anyone has information that could aid investigators, they are encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department at (573) 874-7652. A fund has been established to cover the costs of testing for this case. This case is logged in NamUs as UP59447.
Othram is the world’s first private DNA laboratory built specifically to apply the power of modern parallel sequencing to forensic evidence. Othram’s scientists are experts at recovery, enrichment, and analysis of human DNA from trace quantities of degraded or contaminated materials. Founded in 2018, and located in The Woodlands, Texas, our team works with academic researchers, forensic scientists, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies to achieve results when other approaches have failed. Follow Othram on Twitter @OthramTech or visit Othram.com to learn how we can help you with your case. Visit dnasolves.com to learn how anyone can make a difference in helping solve the next cold case.
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