Breakthrough in 1987 Dubois County Cold Case: Mother charged in death of 'Baby Doe'

After nearly 39 years, investigators identify infant and file charges against biological mother

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Dubois County Prosecutor's Office has announced a major breakthrough in the 1987 cold case involving an infant found deceased at the Monastery Immaculate Conception. Investigators have officially identified the infant, long known to the community only as 'Baby Doe,' and filed criminal charges of murder and voluntary manslaughter against his biological mother, who was a minor at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

This case has haunted the Ferdinand community for generations, and the identification of the infant and charges against the mother provide long-awaited closure. However, the case presents unique legal and ethical complexities due to the mother's age at the time of the incident.

The details

The infant was discovered on the grounds of the Ferdinand monastery in 1987, but the case remained cold for decades as authorities were unable to identify the child or his parents. The breakthrough came through advanced DNA technology and investigative genealogy, which allowed investigators to trace biological relatives and identify the mother.

  • The infant was discovered on the grounds of the Ferdinand monastery in 1987.
  • In late 2025, Dubois County Prosecutor Beth Schroeder formally filed charges against the biological mother.

The players

Dubois County Prosecutor's Office

The local prosecutor's office that announced the breakthrough in the 1987 cold case and filed charges against the biological mother.

Beth Schroeder

The Dubois County Prosecutor who emphasized that justice and compassion must walk hand in hand in this case, as the mother was a minor at the time of the incident.

Indiana State Police Cold Case Unit

The investigative team that led the decades-long pursuit of justice in this case, utilizing advanced DNA technology and investigative genealogy to identify the infant and the mother.

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What they’re saying

“Justice and compassion can walk hand in hand. Our responsibility is not only to pursue accountability, but also to recognize the difficult realities that may have led to this tragedy.”

— Beth Schroeder, Dubois County Prosecutor (wbiw.com)

What’s next

Because the defendant was a juvenile at the time of the crime, legal proceedings may follow specific protocols for historic juvenile cases.

The takeaway

This case highlights the power of modern investigative techniques to solve long-standing cold cases, while also underscoring the need for a balanced approach that considers the complex human factors involved, especially when dealing with historic juvenile cases.