Ep 9. Baby for Sale/The Barrel

In the season 4 episode 9 of Cold Case Files titled " Baby for Sale/The Barrel", the detectives investigate two separate cases that have been unsolved for years.

The first case revolves around the disappearance of 17-year-old Tammy Jo Alexander, who was found dead in a cornfield in upstate New York in 1979. Her body was badly decomposed, and no identification was found on her person. Despite the best efforts of the local authorities at the time, Tammy Jo's identity could not be established, and the case remained unsolved for decades. However, in 2015, a determined detective persuaded the local authorities to exhume Tammy Jo's body and pursue new forensic testing and genetic genealogy. The team finally discovered Tammy Jo's identity, and her killer was brought to justice after decades of impunity.

The second case centers around a stolen barrel containing the remains of a baby boy. The barrel was found in a creek in Missouri in 2005 by a fisherman, and it contained the remains of a baby boy who had been wrapped in a blanket and buried in a plastic bag. The authorities initially had no leads, but with the help of DNA technology, they were able to identify the mother, Gina Geiger. Gina had given birth to the baby boy while incarcerated, and she had disposed of the body after his death. Gina was charged with abandonment of a corpse and sentenced to five years in prison.

The episode is a gripping exploration of the lengths that investigators will go to solve cold cases, even when decades have passed since the crimes were committed. The show highlights the power of forensic science and genetic genealogy to provide answers where none existed before. Additionally, Cold Case Files reveals the devastating consequences of violent crime not only on the victims but also on their families and communities.

Overall, "Baby for Sale/The Barrel" is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode that will keep viewers engaged from beginning to end. Whether you are a fan of true crime or simply looking for a captivating story, this episode is sure to deliver.