In 2001, the lifeless body of a newborn girl was discovered along Briar Oaks Road in Johnson County, Texas. The child, dubbed Angel Baby Doe, remained unidentified for over two decades, despite extensive efforts by law enforcement to solve the case. However, in June 2021, a breakthrough occurred when the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with Othram in The Woodlands to develop a DNA profile from the infant’s remains using forensic-grade genome sequencing. This allowed Othram’s genetic genealogy team to trace familial connections and ultimately identify the infant’s mother as Shelby Stotts.
Stotts has been indicted on multiple charges, including second-degree manslaughter, for allegedly causing her daughter’s death through reckless actions. The successful resolution of this cold case highlights Othram’s fifteenth successful resolution of a cold case in Texas through its DNA technology, funded by a DNASolves® crowdfunding initiative.
Johnson County Sheriff Adam King stated that “The death of Angel Baby Doe broke the hearts of the deputies and officers involved in this case because this child did not have a family to advocate for justice or to grieve for her.” Despite years of efforts by law enforcement agencies to identify her and bring justice to her family and community, Angel Baby Doe remained unidentified until now.
This case serves as an example of how scientific advancements can help solve long-standing mysteries and provide justice to families and communities that have been impacted by tragedy. As legal proceedings against Stotts continue, authorities stress the importance of DNA technology in resolving cold cases and ensuring accountability.