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How advancements in DNA technology advanced cold cases in 2025

This year, advanced DNA testing identified the 1983 Blaine newborn and 'Baby Angel', while a sonar tip led dive teams to recover a 1963 Buick Electra with human remains from the Mississippi River off Sartell, Minnesota.
In Winona, the infant called 'Baby Angel' first drew attention when found in a white tote bag containing a seeing-eye bracelet, four porcelain angels, and incense, and more than 150 residents attended her public funeral in a town of roughly 26,000.
Jennifer Nichole Baechle was identified this year and arrested on two manslaughter counts, while her defense attorney filed a September motion citing autopsy report inconsistencies about whether the infant was born alive.
Anoka County Attorney Brad John said DNA identified the 1983 Blaine newborn this year but evidence does not support charges and the Medical Examiner's Office found no foul play in Roy G. Benn's crash death.
Baechle's next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2026, and ongoing motions focus on whether Baby Angel was born alive, keeping key questions unresolved.

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How advancements in DNA technology advanced cold cases in 2025

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — Advancements in DNA technology and forensic genealogy are changing the landscape for cold case investigations, leading to answers that for decades seemed out of reach. Here are the top three cases, covered by The Vault, that saw major breakthroughs in 2025, thanks to the cooperation of law enforcement, forensic labs and genealogists across the country. Roy G. Benn Roy G. Benn was 69 when he vanished without a trace on Sept. 2…

2 days ago·Cherokee County, United States

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