New York mom charged with 1993 murder of newborn baby

Denise Reischman Merker allegedly confessed to killing her newborn daughter and leaving the body in a trash bag on the side of the road over 30 years ago.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The body of a newborn baby girl was found in 1993 stuffed inside a trash bag and dumped at an intersection in Calverton, New York. After over 30 years, police have arrested 55-year-old Denise Reischman Merker and charged her with the murder of her own newborn daughter. Merker allegedly confessed to the crime, telling police she put a paper towel in the baby's mouth because she was crying.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of unsolved infant homicides and the use of new forensic techniques like genetic genealogy to identify victims and connect them to suspects decades later. It also raises questions about postpartum mental health issues and support systems for new mothers that may have prevented this tragic outcome.

The details

According to court documents, the baby's body was discovered by maintenance workers on September 27, 1993. Authorities stated that once Merker was identified as the suspect, she admitted to the crime during questioning, confessing, "I did it. I did everything." Merker allegedly told police she put a paper towel in the baby's mouth because she was crying.

  • The baby's body was found on September 27, 1993.
  • Merker was arrested on February 2, 2026, over 30 years after the incident.

The players

Denise Reischman Merker

A 55-year-old woman who was arrested and charged with the 1993 murder of her newborn daughter.

Baby Jane Doe

The unidentified newborn baby girl whose body was found in a trash bag 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 entered a not guilty plea and is being held without bond. Her next court date is scheduled for March 2.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better mental health support and resources for new mothers to prevent such devastating outcomes. It also demonstrates the power of modern forensic techniques to uncover long-buried crimes and bring closure to cold cases.