Summary
In February of 1988, a couple walking in Cheyenne, Wyoming discovered a deceased infant in a culvert near Happy Jack Road and McKinney Drive. They immediately notified law enforcement and an investigation began. Investigators reported that the the baby boy was 6.5 lbs at the time of discovery and was described as Caucasian with brown hair, and blue eyes. The baby was found wrapped in a blanket.
An autopsy revealed that the child was fully developed and had been born alive. Ruling the death a homicide, law enforcement investigators thoroughly pursued all available leads hoping to identify the infant or his family. Detectives canvassed regional hospitals, schools and the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base seeking information about a mother who had recently given birth and lacked a living child, or any report of a missing infant. The canvassing produced no leads, and no person was found to be missing an infant matching the description
Details of the case were entered into NamUs as UP10781, and it was cold for thirty-three years, when in 2021, the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office submitted evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas. At Othram, scientists worked to extract DNA from the evidence which was used in Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a DNA profile for the infant. A DNASolves® crowdfund was established to raise the funds necessary for Othram's casework costs. We are grateful to those who donated to this case.
Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team then used the DNA profile in a forensic search that yielded new leads in the case. Othram's genealogists worked to identify and evaluate potential familial connections, build and verify family trees, and pursue leads generated through genetic analysis.
These leads enabled law enforcement to conduct a follow-up investigation, which lead them to potential relatives of the infant. Investigators have now identified the infant's mother as 57-year-old Eva Martinez of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Martinez has been arrested and is charged with first-degree homicide in connection with the death of the infant.
This is the first publicly announced case in the State of Wyoming where officials leveraged Othram’s identity inference pipeline. Explore other cases on Othram’s website.
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.