Woman Charged With Murder in 1992 Cold Case of ‘Baby John Doe’
A Missouri woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the 1992 death of her newborn baby, whose body was found in an Iowa landfill over three decades ago.
Cindy Sue Elder, 58, formerly known as Cindy Sue Eckrich, was arrested and charged this week after advancements in DNA technology helped investigators identify her as the mother of the infant known for years only as “Baby John Doe.”
On December 21, 1992, authorities were alerted to the discovery of a newborn’s body at the Iowa City Landfill. At the time, limited forensic technology prevented investigators from identifying the child or the circumstances of his death.
The case remained unsolved until October 2020, when police reopened the investigation. With improved DNA analysis and forensic genealogy techniques, investigators were able to trace the child’s parentage.
According to a criminal complaint, Elder admitted during a February 2022 interview at her home in Clever, Missouri, that she had given birth to the child in Iowa City. She allegedly confessed that the baby was born alive and that she “did something” to stop him from crying. She then placed the infant in a plastic bag and disposed of him in a trash can near her father’s home in Coralville.
Elder reportedly told investigators she had hidden the pregnancy, never sought medical care, and even tried to induce a miscarriage by hitting herself. The child’s father said he had no knowledge of the pregnancy or birth.
Elder was booked into the Christian County Jail in Missouri and faces one count of first-degree murder.
“This case exemplifies our commitment to crime victims, especially ones so vulnerable,” said Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston. “I am grateful for the dedication, partnerships, and technological advances that have made this arrest possible.”
