Arizona Woman Charged in 1981 Newborn Death

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A cold case that began behind a North Dakota college dorm in 1981 has led to a murder charge against a 65-year-old Arizona woman, Nancy Jean Trottier. The newborn's body was discovered with a plastic bag over her head and the umbilical cord still attached, and an autopsy found the baby had been born alive and died of asphyxia. The case sat dormant for decades until DNA testing advanced, the baby's remains were exhumed in 2019, and genetic genealogy work in 2020 pointed investigators toward Trottier, who was then interviewed in 2021.

Why it matters

This case highlights the power of modern DNA analysis and genetic genealogy to potentially solve even decades-old cold cases, providing closure for victims' families and potentially leading to charges against long-elusive suspects. It also raises questions about the ethics and privacy concerns around using genetic databases for law enforcement purposes.

The details

According to an affidavit, an emotional Trottier told investigators, "Maybe it was me," and agreed to provide a DNA sample. A 2023 report concluded it was quadrillions of times more likely that Trottier and her husband were the baby's parents than unrelated individuals, and that Trottier's DNA matched that found on tissue paper recovered at the scene. Trottier is being held in North Dakota and has a preliminary hearing and arraignment set for May 21; her attorney disputes the strength of the case.

• The newborn's body was discovered in April 1981 behind a North Dakota college dorm.
• The baby's remains were exhumed in 2019 for further DNA testing.
• Genetic genealogy work in 2020 pointed investigators toward Trottier.
• Trottier was interviewed by investigators in 2021.
• A 2023 DNA report linked Trottier to the crime.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Trottier has a preliminary hearing and arraignment set for May 21, where her attorney is expected to dispute the strength of the DNA evidence against her.