Denise Reischman Merker, 55, was arrested on February 2, 2025, and charged with the murder of her newborn daughter, a crime that took place more than 30 years ago in Calverton, New York. The baby, known only as “Baby Jane Doe” for decades, was found dead in a garbage bag on the side of a road on September 27, 1993. Maintenance workers discovered the infant’s body, which had been abandoned at an intersection in eastern Long Island.
The Confession and Investigation Breakthrough
Merker allegedly confessed to the crime during a police interview, stating, “I did it. I did everything.” She explained that she had placed a paper towel in the baby’s mouth to stop her from crying. Merker was 22 years old at the time of the baby’s death, but additional details regarding the cause of death were not made public. Police did not initially release specifics on how they connected Merker to the case, but they revealed that genetic genealogy played a significant role in identifying her as the suspect.
The case was a breakthrough for the authorities after the baby girl’s DNA profile was added to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons Systems database in 2024. This effort, which included nine unidentified babies, ultimately led to Merker’s identification.
Legal Proceedings and Future Court Appearances
At her arraignment, Merker pleaded not guilty to one count of murder. She was remanded to Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead, New York, without bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 2, 2025. Merker’s confession has shocked the community, as the case had remained unsolved for over three decades. The baby, who was once a mystery, is now known to have had a mother who has been accused of her tragic death.
