The Unforgotten Infant
On a chilling Christmas Eve in 1984, the Mendham Township, New Jersey police received a haunting discovery. Two young boys playing in a stream came across a tragic sight: a newborn infant wrapped in a towel inside a plastic bag. Despicably, the child’s life had been cut short, and the identity of the perpetrator remained a mystery.
The Persistent Investigation
The infant, affectionately known as “Baby Mary” by the police, became a symbol of a cold case that haunted the community for decades. Mendham Township Police Chief Ross Johnson, driven by a deep sense of responsibility, ensured that Baby Mary would not be forgotten. Each year on Christmas Eve, officers would gather at her grave for a solemn memorial service.
The Breakthrough
In 2014, the case took a significant turn when a DNA profile was established for Baby Mary. Armed with this new evidence, the Morris County Cold Case Unit reopened the investigation. With the expertise of a genealogist, detectives meticulously searched for families in the area who matched the child’s DNA profile.
Zeroing In on a Suspect
The search led detectives to an area man who had tragically taken his own life years ago. While this brought a sense of closure to his family, it also raised suspicions that he may be the father of Baby Mary.
Through the man’s family, investigators eventually identified Mary Catherine Snyder Crumlich, a woman who had moved to South Carolina and was living a seemingly ordinary life as a mother and grandmother.
Behind the Facade
Crumlich’s Facebook posts painted a picture of a devoted family woman, but it was all a facade. On April 23rd last year, she was arrested and charged with manslaughter in the death of Baby Mary.
The Reckoning
At the age of 57, Crumlich faced the consequences of her actions. On April 3rd, she began a 364-day sentence at the Morris County Correctional Facility. It was a stark reminder that even the most heinous crimes cannot be hidden forever.
Questions and Closure
Chief Johnson expressed a mix of emotions upon the resolution of the case. While relieved that Baby Mary’s killer had been brought to justice, he acknowledged the lingering questions surrounding the circumstances of her death. He hoped that one day Crumlich would come forward with the full truth.
“I can’t imagine living with something like that,” said Chief Johnson. “There are consequences.”
A Chilling Reminder
The tragic story of Baby Mary serves as a chilling reminder that even the most innocent lives can be cruelly taken, and the perpetrators will ultimately face the weight of justice. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of law enforcement and the enduring power of hope that those responsible will be held accountable, no matter how much time has passed.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
