Arrests Made in 35-Year-Old Cold Case of Baby Jane Doe: Evelyn Odom and Ulyster Sanders Charged with Murder

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : A 5-year-old girl from Georgia, who was found entombed in a cemented trunk over three decades ago, has finally been identified, leading to the arrest of her mother and her mother’s then-live-in boyfriend. Evelyn Odom, also known as Zmecca Luciana, and Ulyster Sanders were taken into custody last week and charged with felony murder for the 1988 slaying of young Kenyatta Odom, known as “Baby Jane Doe,” authorities announced.

In addition to the murder charge, the duo also faces charges of first-degree cruelty to children, aggravated battery — family violence, conspiracy to commit murder, and concealing the death of another.

The shocking discovery of Kenyatta’s remains took place on December 21, 1988, when road workers in Millwood, Georgia stumbled upon the trunk at an illegal dump site off Duncan Mill Road. The child’s body was found inside an old TV cabinet, wrapped in a blanket, and placed in a duffel bag, which was then encased in concrete. Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Special Agent in Charge Jason Seacrist described the crime scene as a dump site littered with trash, where the child had been discarded.

The medical examiner determined that Kenyatta’s death was a homicide and that she had likely been killed at least three months before her body was found. Despite numerous attempts over the years to identify Baby Jane Doe, the case eventually went cold.

However, in 2019, investigators decided to revisit the case and submitted the victim’s DNA for genome sequencing, hoping that advancements in technology would provide a breakthrough. In 2022, DNA analysis confirmed a family connection between the victim and a family in Albany, Georgia. This prompted investigators to compare Baby Jane Doe’s DNA with members of that family.

On the anniversary of the discovery of Baby Jane’s body in December 2022, the GBI issued a news release seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the victim. In January 2023, a tipster came forward with information about a little girl who had gone missing around the same time. The tipster revealed that the girl’s mother, later identified as Odom, had told others that her daughter had gone to live with her father. However, the tipster never believed this story about the child’s whereabouts.

This lead brought investigators back to Odom and Sanders, resulting in their arrest on November 9 without incident, according to authorities. Special Agent Seacrist expressed his gratitude to an anonymous donor who offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the victim, now known to be Kenyatta.

The case’s resolution after almost 35 years brings closure to the investigation, allowing the responsible parties to be held accountable for Kenyatta’s tragic death. Special Agent Seacrist emphasized this during a news conference, stating, “Finally, after almost 35 years, not only were we able to identify her remains, but we were able to make an arrest for those responsible for her death.”

The news of Kenyatta’s identification and the subsequent arrests has sent shockwaves through the community, reminding everyone of the importance of justice and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to solve cold cases. The case serves as a reminder that no matter how much time passes, the pursuit of truth and justice remains steadfast.

With the ongoing advancements in technology and the dedication of investigators, more cold cases may find resolution, bringing answers and closure to families who have long awaited justice for their loved ones. The identification of Kenyatta Odom underscores the significance of DNA analysis and the tireless work of law enforcement in pursuing justice, even when faced with the challenges of time.

As the investigation continues, the community hopes that the arrests and charges brought against Odom and Sanders will bring some solace to Kenyatta’s family and serve as a reminder that no crime will go unpunished. The tragic story of Baby Jane Doe has finally found its resolution, shedding light on a dark chapter in Georgia’s history and emphasizing the importance of never giving up on seeking justice..