by In a shocking development, investigators have finally cracked a cold case that has baffled authorities for nearly two decades. The case involves the tragic death of a newborn baby who was discovered in a bathroom at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport back in 2005. The mother of the baby, identified as 51-year-old Annie Anderson, has been taken into custody in Washington state and is awaiting extradition to face charges in Maricopa County, Arizona.
The investigation into the baby’s death began on October 10, 2005, when police responded to a report of a deceased newborn in Terminal 4 of the airport. The baby, later named Baby Skylar, was found wrapped in newspapers and a towel stuffed in a plastic bag with red Marriott lettering. The medical examiner determined that the baby had died from suffocation, ruling the death a homicide.
Despite years of investigation, authorities were unable to identify a suspect in the case. However, in 2020, a breakthrough came when genetic genealogy databases were utilized to identify potential family matches to the DNA found at the scene. After identifying a possible relative, police were able to obtain a DNA sample which ultimately led them to Annie Anderson.
Anderson confessed to police that she was the mother of the baby and admitted to killing her. She claimed that the birth occurred while she was in Arizona on business. The father of the baby has also been identified, but authorities do not believe he played a role in the murder.
The use of genetic genealogy in this case highlights the advancements in technology that have allowed investigators to solve cold cases that were once thought unsolvable. The closure brought to the family of Baby Skylar after so many years is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement agencies.
