After four decades of uncertainty, Vermont State Police have announced a breakthrough in the case of a baby discovered dead on the side of a road. Thanks to new DNA testing, the mystery surrounding the child, initially dubbed “Baby Doe,” has finally been unraveled.
Authorities revealed that the case, which began on April 1, 1982, when a group of children found the infant’s body while waiting for a school bus in Northfield, Vermont, has been officially closed this month. Despite the closure, no criminal charges will be filed as it was determined that the baby died at birth and was not a victim of foul play.
Initially, the child’s identity remained unknown, leading investigators to refer to him as “Baby Doe.” An autopsy revealed that he was a full-term infant with indications of pre-existing medical conditions. However, the exact cause and manner of death remained undetermined, complicating the investigation.
In late April 1982, the baby was laid to rest by the reverend of St. Mary’s Church in Northfield under the name Matthew Isaac Doe. Despite efforts to identify the infant and locate his parents, the case remained unsolved for decades.
It wasn’t until recent advancements in DNA technology that authorities made significant progress. Partnering with Parabon NanoLabs, Vermont State Police conducted genetic genealogy analysis on samples collected from the infant and items found with him. This led to a breakthrough in December 2021 when potential names of the biological parents, with ties to the Northfield area in 1982, were identified.
After locating the parents, it was revealed that the father had left Vermont in 1982 and was unaware of the pregnancy. The biological mother confessed to authorities that she was responsible for the improper disposal of the deceased infant. She recounted how she unexpectedly went into labor in 1982 and, unaware of her pregnancy, delivered the baby alone. Tragically, the infant did not survive due to complications with the umbilical cord.
The mother attempted to give the baby a proper burial but became startled on the way and accidentally dropped the infant’s body while fleeing. Despite her admission, the evidence did not suggest any intentional harm, leading to the decision not to pursue murder charges.
Washington County State’s Attorney Michelle Donnelly stated that due to the statute of limitations, no criminal charges could be filed relating to the unauthorized disposal of the body. She emphasized that there was no evidence of malicious intent in the mother’s actions.
While the case remains a poignant reminder of a tragic event, authorities hope that its resolution brings closure to the community and, most importantly, to the family involved.
