North Dakota Woman Charged with 1981 Newborn Murder on College Campus

Nancy Jean Trottier accused in death of infant found in Valley City State University woods

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled piece of tissue paper, the harsh flash illuminating the textured fibers and creating dramatic shadows, conceptually representing the forensic investigation of a decades-old infant death case.Forensic evidence from a decades-old infant death case on a college campus exposes the grim details of an unresolved tragedy.Valley City Today

Decades after the body of a newborn girl was discovered in a wooded area on the Valley City State University campus in North Dakota, authorities have charged a woman named Nancy Jean Trottier with the infant's murder. DNA evidence and genetic genealogy analysis linked Trottier to the 1981 crime scene, leading to her arrest and upcoming trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the power of modern forensic science and genetic genealogy to solve decades-old cold cases, even when physical evidence is limited. It also raises questions about the trauma and lasting impact of unresolved infant deaths on local communities.

The details

On April 16, 1981, the body of a newborn girl was found in a wooded area behind 265 Viking Drive on the Valley City State University campus. An autopsy determined the infant had been alive at birth and died from acute asphyxiation, likely by suffocation. For decades, investigators pursued leads but were unable to identify a suspect until 2019, when the infant's remains were exhumed and DNA analysis was conducted. This led authorities to Nancy Jean Trottier, a former Valley City State student who attended the university from 1978 to 1982. During an interview, Trottier became emotional and told police 'maybe it was me.' DNA evidence later confirmed Trottier as the infant's biological mother.

  • The newborn's body was discovered on April 16, 1981.
  • An autopsy was performed the following day on April 17, 1981.
  • In July 2019, the infant's body was exhumed for further DNA analysis.
  • In August 2020, investigators received a genetic genealogy report identifying potential relatives of the child.
  • Trottier's preliminary hearing and arraignment are scheduled for May 21, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The players

Nancy Jean Trottier

A North Dakota woman who has been charged with the murder of a newborn girl found dead on the Valley City State University campus in 1981. Trottier attended the university from 1978 to 1982, and DNA evidence has linked her to the crime scene.

Rebecca

The name given to the newborn girl whose body was discovered in the woods behind Valley City State University in 1981. The infant's cause of death was ruled as acute asphyxiation, likely by suffocation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Maybe it was me. It could be, maybe it was me.”

— Nancy Jean Trottier

What’s next

A preliminary hearing and arraignment for Nancy Jean Trottier are scheduled for May 21, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The takeaway

This case highlights the power of modern forensic science and genetic genealogy to solve decades-old cold cases, even when physical evidence is limited. It also raises questions about the trauma and lasting impact of unresolved infant deaths on local communities.