Albany's 'Baby Moses' Murder Case Solved After 27 Years

Keri Mazzuca confesses to smothering her newborn son and leaving him in Washington Park in 1997

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The murder of Baby Moses Washington, a newborn found dead in Albany's Washington Park in 1997, was solved after nearly three decades when Keri Mazzuca confessed to the crime in 2024. Mazzuca admitted to smothering her son and leaving him in the park after giving birth at home. The case had gone cold for years until Mazzuca's confession, which has raised questions about why she was free after confessing and how police tracked her down.

Why it matters

The resolution of this long-standing cold case provides closure for the community and sheds light on the challenges of investigating and prosecuting infanticide cases, where the perpetrator may have gone undetected for decades. It also highlights the persistence of law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims, even in the most difficult circumstances.

The details

In September 1997, a newborn baby was found dead near a flower bed in Albany's Washington Park. Police pursued leads for years, but the case went cold. In 2024, Keri Mazzuca, now known as Keri Spielman, confessed to the crime on the 27th anniversary of the murder. She admitted to smothering her son and leaving him in the park after giving birth at home. Detectives described Mazzuca as "a cold woman" who was "very stoic" and "capable of horrible things".

  • In September 1997, a newborn was found dead near a flower bed in Washington Park, Albany.
  • On September 6, 2024, Keri Mazzuca confessed to the crime, exactly 27 years after the murder.

The players

Keri Mazzuca

Also known as Keri Spielman, Mazzuca confessed to smothering her newborn son and leaving him in Washington Park in 1997.

Detective Rob Lawyer

The detective who described Mazzuca as "a cold woman" who was "very stoic" and "capable of horrible things".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She's a cold woman. She is...very stoic, very matter of fact. And obviously capable of horrible things.”

— Detective Rob Lawyer (WNYT)

What’s next

The case will be explored further in a 13 Investigates Special Report, 'The Search for Justice', which will air on Saturday at 7 p.m. and delve into recently resolved cold cases in the area.

The takeaway

The resolution of this long-standing cold case, after nearly three decades, highlights the persistence of law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims, even in the most difficult circumstances. It also raises important questions about the challenges of investigating and prosecuting infanticide cases, where the perpetrator may have gone undetected for decades.