Newborn Cold Case Cracked by DNA: Mother Confesses

In a stunning development, a 1993 cold case involving the death of a newborn baby girl on Long Island has been solved, leading to the arrest and confession of the mother. Denise Merker, 55, admitted to killing her infant daughter in September 1993, three decades after the baby's body was discovered by a state highway cleaning crew in Calverton, New York.

The breakthrough in this decades-old mystery was significantly aided by Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG). This technology allows investigators to match DNA found at crime scenes with public genealogical databases, tracing familial connections to identify suspects. Retired NYPD detective Michael Alcazar emphasized the crucial role of FIGG in cracking cases where traditional databases like CODIS yield no results.

At the time of the murder, Merker was 22 years old. The infant's identity remained unknown until January 2025, when her information was added to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Merker was arraigned in Riverhead Town Justice Court and is currently jailed, with a grand jury arraignment scheduled for March 2.

Proper crime scene processing was highlighted as critical to solving such cases. Alcazar noted that while FIGG provides powerful leads, diligent investigative work is still required to develop probative evidence linking a suspect to the DNA. The successful resolution of this case underscores the evolving capabilities of forensic science in achieving justice for victims.