Summary
In August 1988, a full-term newborn baby boy was found in a laundry bin at Ponds Laundry in Wichita Falls, Texas. The infant had been wrapped in linens from the Air Force Regional Hospital at Sheppard Air Force Base. Investigators determined that the infant had died from hypovolemia and anemia. At the time of discovery, all known pregnant patients as well as newborn babies at the hospital and on the base were accounted for. Despite investigative efforts, the case remained unsolved for nearly 37 years.
In 2022, investigators with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) submitted tissue samples to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. At Othram, scientists worked to extract DNA and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive SNP profile from the evidence. This profile was used in a forensic genetic genealogy search led by Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team, which generated new investigative leads.
In May of 2025, as part of their follow-up investigation, AFOSI conducted a non-custodial interview with Tammy Sue (Gust) Kerns where she admitted that she was the infant’s mother. Kerns confirmed to investigators she concealed her pregnancy and never sought medical care. A DNA sample was collected from Tammy Kerns. A comparison of Kerns' DNA profile against the infant's DNA profile confirmed Kerns as the infant's mother.
In plea papers, Kerns admitted she went into labor while working a night shift at the hospital, hid herself in the x-ray room so that no one would see her and locked the doors to prevent others from entering. Kerns gave birth during the shift and once she delivered Infant Male Doe, she placed her hand over his mouth until he stopped crying and/or breathing. Kerns then severed the umbilical cord from Infant Male Doe and the placenta and wrapped the cord around his body. Kerns then wrapped Infant Male Doe in hospital linens and placed the deceased infant in the laundry bin, cleaned up the room and returned to her shift.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Kerns faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, a fine up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release up to five years. Her sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 8, 2027, before Chief District Judge Reed O’Connor.
The Air Force Office of the Special Investigator conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allyson Monte from the Fort Worth Division is prosecuting the case.
This is the 32nd publicly announced case in the State of Texas where investigators have used Othram's technology to identify an individual. Learn about other cases by visiting 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.