Former Valley City Woman Charged With 45-Year-Old Baby Murder

Authorities announce arrest in 1981 cold case death of infant found near Valley City State University

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:25pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a baby's clothing item, such as a tiny sock or shoe, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the reopening of a long-dormant murder investigation.A decades-old cold case murder is finally brought to light, exposing the tragic loss of an infant's life.Valley City Today

Barnes County State's Attorney Tonya Duffy and North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced the arrest of 65-year-old Nancy J. Trottier in connection with the 1981 death of a baby found near the campus of Valley City State University. The case had gone unsolved for over 45 years until investigators were able to make a breakthrough.

Why it matters

This arrest brings closure to a decades-old cold case that has haunted the Valley City community. The successful prosecution of Trottier could set a precedent for law enforcement's ability to solve other long-dormant murder cases using modern forensic techniques and persistent investigation.

The details

Trottier was charged with murder and is currently being held on $2 million bond or $750,000 cash. She is scheduled to appear in court on May 21st. Valley City Police Lt. Dana Rustebakke credited several former police chiefs and officers who worked for years to try to identify the person responsible for the infant's death, known in court documents as 'Baby Rebecca'.

  • The baby's body was found near the Valley City State University campus in April 1981.
  • Trottier was charged on April 13, 2026.
  • Her next court appearance is set for May 21, 2026 at 1pm.

The players

Tonya Duffy

The Barnes County State's Attorney who announced the arrest along with the North Dakota Attorney General.

Drew Wrigley

The North Dakota Attorney General who announced the arrest along with the Barnes County State's Attorney.

Nancy J. Trottier

The 65-year-old former Valley City resident who was charged with the 1981 murder of the infant known as 'Baby Rebecca'.

Dana Rustebakke

The Valley City Police Lieutenant who credited past police chiefs and officers for their work on the cold case over the decades.

Nicholas Thornton

The judge who set Trottier's bail at $2 million surety bond or $750,000 cash.

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What they’re saying

“It has taken a long time for several investigators over more than four decades to make an arrest in the death of this child.”

— Drew Wrigley, North Dakota Attorney General

“Several former Valley City police chief's and officers who worked hard trying to locate the individual responsible for the death of the child, known as Baby Rebecca in court documents.”

— Dana Rustebakke, Valley City Police Lieutenant

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Trottier's bail status at her next court appearance on May 21st.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the persistence of law enforcement in solving even the oldest cold cases, providing hope for closure in other unsolved murders. However, it also raises questions about the challenges of prosecuting such aged crimes and the experiences of the victim's family after so many years.