Arrest Made in 47-Year-Old Cold Case of Newborn Found in Landfill

In 1979, the body of a newborn girl was discovered in a trash bag at a landfill in Columbus County, North Carolina. Despite an extensive investigation by local law enforcement, all leads were exhausted, and the case went cold. Over the decades, the investigation was passed down through generations of law enforcement officers, each determined to uncover the circumstances surrounding the infant's death. The original investigators meticulously preserved evidence, which would later prove crucial in solving the case.

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In early 2025, the case was reopened, allowing detectives to utilize advancements in DNA technology. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) collaborated with local law enforcement to analyze the preserved evidence. This renewed effort led to the identification of Cathy McKee, a 69-year-old woman from Whiteville, North Carolina, as the infant's mother. On February 24, 2026, McKee was arrested and charged with Felony Concealing the Birth of a Child. The offense date was recorded as January 11, 1979, when McKee was 21 years old.

Newsweek

Sheriff Bill Rogers expressed the emotional weight of the case, stating, “As a father, this case is one that hits deeply. Every child who enters this world deserves protection, love, and the chance to be known.” He emphasized the importance of the original investigators' dedication and the role of modern technology in finally providing answers. The sheriff's office noted that the case remained a significant burden for those who had worked on it, highlighting the commitment to seeking justice for the unnamed child.

Newsweek

While the investigation has been met with appreciation for its resolution, some critics question the length of time it took to identify McKee. The case's cold status for nearly five decades raises concerns about the effectiveness of initial investigative methods and the resources allocated to cold cases.

Newsweek

Details regarding the circumstances of the infant's death remain undisclosed. Investigators have not clarified how DNA from McKee was obtained for comparison, leaving some aspects of the case unresolved.

Charlotte Observer

• “Because of the compassion and foresight of those original deputies who preserved the evidence so carefully, and because of the determination of our detectives and SBI partners who have worked tirelessly on this investigation for more than a year, we are finally able to give this child what she deserved all along—the truth.” — Sheriff Bill Rogers

Newsweek

• “For 47 years, this baby girl’s story was carried forward — passed from one generation of investigators to the next,” — Columbus County Sheriff’s Office

Charlotte Observer

This case serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring commitment of law enforcement to seek justice, regardless of the passage of time.

Newsweek