North Carolina Woman Arrested Nearly 50 Years After Newborn Found Dead in Landfill
WHITEVILLE, N.C. — Nearly five decades after the tragic discovery of a newborn baby girl’s body inside a trash bag at a Columbus County landfill, authorities have arrested a woman in connection with the case. Cathy McKee, 69, of Whiteville, North Carolina, was taken into custody on February 24 and charged with felony concealing the birth of a child. The arrest was announced by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office on February 25.
The case dates back to 1979 when the infant’s body was found at a local landfill. Despite an exhaustive investigation at the time, leads eventually ran dry, and the case went cold. However, the sheriff’s department emphasized that the case was “never forgotten,” with the story of the baby girl passed down through generations of investigators.
Recent advances in forensic science and DNA testing finally yielded a breakthrough. DNA evidence linked McKee to the newborn, identifying her as the mother. This development underscores the growing role of genetic testing in solving cold cases, a technique increasingly utilized by law enforcement agencies nationwide, as highlighted by the FBI’s Cold Case Initiative.
“For 47 years, this baby girl’s story was carried forward — passed from one generation of investigators to the next,” the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Some who first worked the scene are still remembered today.” The department’s commitment to justice reflects a broader national trend of revisiting unsolved cases with modern technology, as supported by resources from the National Institute of Justice.
McKee’s arrest brings a measure of closure to a case that has haunted the local community for decades. While the charge of concealing the birth of a child does not address the circumstances of the infant’s death, it marks the first significant legal action in nearly half a century.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the birth or the infant’s death, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The sheriff’s office has encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
This case also highlights the critical role of local law enforcement agencies in cold case investigations. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office’s persistence echoes efforts by other jurisdictions to leverage forensic advancements, as outlined by the North Carolina Department of Justice Cold Case Unit. Their work exemplifies how dedicated resources and evolving technology can bring resolution to long-standing mysteries.
As the investigation continues, the community and law enforcement alike hope that this arrest will lead to a fuller understanding of the events surrounding the newborn’s death and provide some solace to those affected by the tragedy. The case remains a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved crimes and the power of modern science to rewrite history.
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