Prosecutor files charge against DNA in Baby April case

A single count of first-degree murder has been filed in the 22-year-old death of an infant girl dubbed Baby April in Moline.

Her killer's identity, however, remains a mystery.

Rock Island County States Attorney John McGehee announced Monday that the charge has been filed against the DNA profile of an unknown female. The DNA was found at the crime scene.

On April 11, 1992, a man walking his dog at 17th Street and the Mississippi River found a trash bag with what he believed to be fish remains left by a fisherman.

Inside the bag was a full-term baby girl who police believe had been born in the 24-hour period before the body was found. The girl is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Moline.

McGehee told reporters Monday this is the first time a charge has been filed against a DNA profile in Rock Island County. McGehee said similar filings have been made by prosecutors across Illinois.

Although a suspect has not yet been identified, he said a DNA profile is specific enough to file a criminal charge under Illinois law.

DNA, McGehee said, is the fingerprints of the 21st century.

I think were going to see more of this as time moves forward in terms of crime scene analysis, he added.

McGehee said the charge also is meant to let the community know the case still is being investigated.

Original post:
Prosecutor files charge against DNA in Baby April case