On June 17, 2004, at 6:21 p.m., Norfolk Police were called to the Norfolk Fork of the Elkhorn River in the 200 block of N. 1st Street.  A deceased newborn baby boy's body was recovered from the river.  The autopsy of the full-term baby was inconclusive as to if the baby had been alive prior to its discovery.  An extensive investigation followed, but it did not reveal the mother's identity. During the investigation, a DNA sample from the baby was compared to several individuals without success.  A second sample, and DNA profile, were kept for subsequent investigation. Over the years, the case was revisited several times to determine if new information or technology was available to further the investigation.

In March of 2023, Norfolk Police partnered with the University of Nebraska Medical Center DNA lab to conduct an investigative genealogy process to help with the identification of the mother.  UNMC along with United Data Connect, an investigative genetic genealogy service, were successful in identifying the possible mother.  Norfolk detectives traveled to the mother's city of residence and, with the assistance of additional local, county, and state law enforcement officers, located, and had contact with her.

The mother stated that she was a juvenile at the time of the birth and that the birth occurred at home. The baby was stillborn and that she later disposed of the infant in the river.  She provided a DNA sample which confirmed that she was the mother of the infant.  A second individual aware of the circumstances was also identified and interviewed. They were aware of the pregnancy and the stillborn baby.

Any misdemeanor crime committed in this case has passed the statute of limitations and there is insufficient evidence for any other prosecution. The Norfolk Police Division would like to thank all those who were involved in the continued investigation into this case.  We will continue to investigate and review any new information in this case as well as the paternal connections to the infant.