Stearns County investigators ID parents of Baby Jane Doe, newborn found in Minnesota ditch in 1980

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NEWS MINNESOTA
Stearns County investigators ID parents of Baby Jane Doe, newborn found in Minnesota ditch in 1980
Using DNA testing and other evidence, investigators say that the parents of the child, found dead in a St. Augustana ditch over 40 years ago, have been identified. The case is considered closed.



A photo of the location where Baby Jane Doe's remains were found in 1980 in St. Augusta.Contributed / Stearns County Sheriff's Office

By St. Cloud LIVE staff reports
July 11, 2024 at 2:34 PM

ST. CLOUD — The decades-long mystery of a dead infant found in St. Augusta in 1980 has come to an end, the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Thursday.

Using DNA testing and other evidence, investigators say that the parents of the child — called Baby Jane Doe — have been identified, according to the Thursday, July 11, release. But because the mother died and was unable to be interviewed by investigators, the sheriff’s office considers the case closed.

“After establishing the parents of Baby Jane Doe, completing relevant interviews, and other investigative efforts, the sheriff’s office has not been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt a particular person committed a crime related to the death of Baby Jane Doe,” the release said. “The sheriff’s office has closed this case.

“Not being able to interview the mother because of her death factored into our decision to close this case.”

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