Jennifer Nichole Baechle has been charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter after DNA testing linked her to the 2011 death of her newborn, known as Baby Angel. The baby was found in the Mississippi River, wrapped in a T-shirt and plastic bags. Authorities stated investigations were stagnant until 2023 when genetic testing associated Baechle with the case. Law enforcement used a discarded feminine hygiene product to confirm her DNA coincided with the evidence found with Baby Angel, leading to her arrest in this long-standing cold case.
"While her birth mother remained hidden, this community wrapped its arms around this little girl. They've waited in patience for answers that she deserved."
"She deserved better than a watery grave, she deserved more than a life cut short," said Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude.
The match was confirmed with additional testing a year later, with DNA found on the bag Baby Angel was found in also matching Baechle's.
Baechle denied police requests for a DNA sample - but authorities were able to collect a used feminine hygiene product from the trash outside her home.
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