Woman Charged with Murdering Newborn Daughter in 1993

Denise Reischman Merker confessed to killing her baby and leaving her in a trash bag on the side of the road in Calverton, New York

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Denise Reischman Merker, 55, was arrested and charged with murder for the 1993 death of her newborn daughter. Police say Merker confessed to killing the baby and leaving her in a trash bag on the side of the road in Calverton, New York, claiming she put paper towels in the baby's mouth to stop her from crying.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic reality of neonaticide, where mothers kill their newborn infants, often due to factors like mental health issues, lack of support, or feelings of desperation. It also demonstrates the potential for genetic genealogy to help solve cold cases decades later, even with limited evidence.

The details

According to court documents, the baby's body was found by maintenance workers on September 27, 1993 in a garbage bag on the side of the road in Calverton. Police say that after Merker was identified as the suspect, she confessed, stating "I did it. I did everything." Merker told police she put paper towels in the baby's mouth to stop her from crying.

  • The baby's body was found on September 27, 1993.
  • Merker was arrested and charged on February 2, 2026.
  • Merker's next court appearance is scheduled for March 2, 2026.

The players

Denise Reischman Merker

A 55-year-old woman who was charged with murdering her newborn daughter in 1993.

Baby Jane Doe

The newborn baby girl whose body was found in a trash bag on the side of the road in Calverton, New York in 1993.

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What they’re saying

“I did it. I did everything.”

— Denise Reischman Merker (Newsday)

“I put the paper towel in the baby's mouth because she was crying.”

— Denise Reischman Merker (Newsday)

What’s next

Merker's next court appearance is scheduled for March 2, 2026, where a judge will decide whether to grant her bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater mental health support and resources for new mothers to prevent such devastating outcomes. It also demonstrates the power of genetic genealogy to potentially solve cold cases, even decades later.