Full Breakdown
Long Island Mother Confesses to Killing Newborn After 33 Years
2/27/2026, 10:13:46 PM
Overview of the Case
Denise Merker, a 55-year-old woman from Riverhead, New York, has allegedly confessed to the murder of her newborn daughter, whose body was discovered over three decades ago. The infant, identified only as Baby Jane Doe, was found dead in a plastic bag on September 27, 1993, along Calverton Road in Eastern Long Island. Merker reportedly admitted to stuffing a paper towel in the baby's mouth to silence her cries, leading to the child's death by suffocation.
Details of the Confession
Merker's confession came on February 2, 2026, during an interview with Suffolk County police. According to a felony criminal complaint, she stated, “I did it. I did everything. I put the paper towel in the baby’s mouth because she was crying.” At the time of the incident, Merker was known as Denise Reischman and was just 22 years old. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office determined that the infant had died from homicidal suffocation, with her umbilical cord still attached at the time of discovery.
Investigative Breakthrough
The case remained unsolved for nearly 33 years until recent advancements in forensic investigative genetic genealogy led to the identification of the child and subsequently to Merker. The baby was one of nine unidentified infants whose DNA profiles were added to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons Systems database last year, which played a significant role in the investigation.
Legal Proceedings
Merker has been charged with second-degree murder and is currently held at the Suffolk County jail. Despite her confession, she has pleaded not guilty. Her attorney, Edward Burke Jr., described the case as “gut-wrenching” and “emotional,” but did not provide further comments. Merker is scheduled to appear in court on March 2, 2026, after two previous court dates were postponed.
Public Reaction and Commentary
The revelation of Merker's confession has elicited strong reactions from the public. Many expressed outrage and called for severe consequences for her actions. Comments on social media highlighted the need for safe alternatives for mothers in distress, emphasizing that there are places such as fire stations and hospitals where infants can be surrendered without questions. Others speculated on the potential psychological factors that could lead to such actions, noting that exhaustion and desperation might contribute to tragic decisions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the confession has been reported consistently, details regarding the evidence that led to Merker's arrest have not been disclosed by prosecutors. This lack of information leaves some aspects of the case unclear, particularly regarding the investigative process that culminated in her apprehension.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I did everything. I put the paper towel in the baby’s mouth because she was crying,” — Denise Merker, during police interrogation.
- “Hope she gets a paper towel in her mouth and a wooden broom handle well you know where until she bleeds,” — Comment from a social media user.
- “If you don’t want your baby there are so many places you can leave them- NO questions asked,” — Comment from a concerned citizen.
