5-Year-Old Girl Found Encased in Concrete in Georgia Woods Finally Identified After 35 Years

Cold Case Breakthrough: Mother and Boyfriend Charged with Murder

WAYCROSS, Ga. – In a shocking development, authorities in Georgia have finally identified the body of a 5-year-old girl who was found encased in concrete and dumped in the woods almost 35 years ago. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), in collaboration with the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, Dougherty County district attorney, and other agencies, announced the breakthrough on Monday. The child’s mother, Evelyn Odom, 56, also known as Zmecca Lucina, and her then-boyfriend, Ulyster Sanders, 61, both residents of Albany, have been charged with her murder.

Victim’s Identity Revealed

The child has been identified as Kenyatta “Keke” Odom, who was only 5 years old at the time of her death. Court records indicate that she died from being subjected to scalding hot water, resulting in severe bodily harm. While the motive behind her tragic death remains undisclosed, the authorities have indicted both suspects on multiple charges related to her murder.

Arrest and Indictments

Both Evelyn Odom and Ulyster Sanders were arrested on November 9, following a thorough investigation. The remains of Kenyatta were discovered in a television cabinet inside a duffel bag, which had been encased in concrete and abandoned in a wooded area of Ware County in 1988. The case was reopened in June 2023 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children conducted a forensic rendering of the victim known as “Baby Jane Doe,” leading to the identification of Kenyatta Odom.

Collaboration and Breakthrough

The breakthrough in this cold case was made possible through a combination of advanced DNA technology and a tip from a community member. Investigators managed to narrow down the family line to Albany, Georgia, with the help of DNA evidence and information obtained from genealogy research. A newspaper found near the crime scene further suggested a connection to Albany.

GBI Special Agent in Charge Jason Seacrist stated, “Working with District Attorney Bennett, we began to review the case, and looking at all the information being gathered, it became clear that Dougherty County was the area where this matter should be brought to trial.”

Justice Served

The identification of Kenyatta “Keke” Odom and the subsequent arrest of Evelyn Odom and Ulyster Sanders serve as a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement officials and advancements in forensic technology. Chief investigator Seacrist emphasized that cold cases are never forgotten, and the dedicated team continues to work diligently, utilizing new technology and following up on leads.

Evelyn Odom is currently in custody at Cook County Jail, having been apprehended in Lenox, Georgia. She is expected to be transferred to Dougherty County Jail to face trial along with her co-defendant, Ulyster Sanders. The charges against them include felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children, aggravated battery, conspiracy to commit a crime, and concealing the death of another.

As the investigation progresses and the trial unfolds, the community hopes for justice to be served and closure to be provided to the family of Kenyatta Odom, whose young life was tragically cut short.