Home / Crime and Justice / DNA Solves 2011 Mystery: Woman Admits Guilt in Baby's Death
DNA Solves 2011 Mystery: Woman Admits Guilt in Baby's Death
6 May
Summary
- A mother admitted guilt in the 2011 death of 'Baby Angel' found in the Mississippi River.
- DNA evidence, collected years later, linked the suspect to the infant.
- The plea deal resulted in a dropped manslaughter charge for a lesser offense.
In a case that had remained unsolved for over a decade, Jennifer Baechle, 44, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to interfering with a dead body. The charge is related to the 2011 death of "Baby Angel," an infant found deceased in the Mississippi River near Homer, Minnesota. The infant was discovered in a tote bag, wrapped in a T-shirt, and surrounded by angel figurines. An examiner determined the baby had sustained head injuries while alive and had not received medical care after birth.
The investigation stalled for years until 2023 when genetic research identified Baechle as a person of interest. Initially denying investigators' requests for DNA, authorities eventually obtained her DNA from a discarded hygiene product and later via a search warrant. This DNA evidence strongly indicated she was the infant's mother. Family members reported Baechle was living in a van in 2011 and confirmed her affinity for collecting angels, identifying a pendant found with the child as hers.
As part of the plea agreement, Baechle received a two-year stay of imposition, supervised probation, and was ordered to complete 40 hours of community service. This resolution prevents further prosecution against her for any crimes connected to "Baby Angel." The plea deal means the original charge of second-degree manslaughter was dropped in favor of the gross misdemeanor charge.
