This individual was recently confirmed to have been identified. Some details may change as more information is released publicly.
"Baby Angel" was the nickname given to a baby whose body was pulled from the Mississippi River in Minnesota in 2011.
She was identified by Firebird Forensics in April 2025.
Case[]
A family found the newborn girl inside a large, yellow canvas bag floating in the Mississippi River on Labor Day in 2011. The site was north of the Trempealeau Dam near Winona, Minnesota. An examination of the girl's body showed that she had been born just a day or two prior. Evidence also showed that the mother likely gave birth with no medical assistance. The child's cause of death could not be determined.
She was nicknamed "Baby Angel" due to the angel figurines found with her body. Investigators traced one of the angel figurines to a Catholic missionary group in Belleville, Illinois, who sold the ornament through a catalog in 2000. A funeral, burial, and annual memorials were later held for the newborn girl. An extensive investigation into her case also occurred, with law enforcement pursuing over 50 leads.
Identification[]
Investigators and Firebird Forensics Group, Inc. later teamed up in 2023 to utilize forensic genetic genealogy to find the newborn girl's relatives. DNA testing conducted in 2023 and 2025 found a woman to share a possible mother-daughter relation with her. Investigators then contacted the woman's family about the child's case. When shown items found with the girl, they recognized the blue pendant as belonging to the woman. They also reported that she collected angel-related items.
The woman, Jennifer Nichole Baechle, was found to be responsible for the newborn girl's death and subsequently charged with two counts of manslaughter. However, she has since been released on bond.
Characteristics[]
- Brown hair.
Clothing and accessories[]
- Green T-shirt with an unidentifiable design.
- Nazar bracelet with blue beads and a large glass pendant.
- Two music box angel figurines.
- Ceramic Precious Moments brand angel bell.
- Large, yellow canvas bag depicting a scene of sailboats in the sun with the word “Manzanillo.”
Gallery[]
Sources[]
- NCMEC (archived)
- NamUs (archived)
- Baby Angel at the Doe Network
- Firebird Forensics
- News8Now