"Baby Hope" Update: 1991 cold case victim identified, report says
(CBS) NEW YORK - A child who came to be known as "Baby Hope" after her decomposing body was found in a cooler along a New York City highway 22 years ago and whose parents or relatives never reported her missing has finally been identified, the New York Post reports.
The real name of "Baby Hope" is Angelica Ramirez, a law-enforcement source reportedly told the paper.
The case has resurfaced in recent days after authorities announced they identified the mother of the child.
The discovery was made after police launched a renewed effort this past July to obtain solid information in order to identify the child, who was malnourished and whose body showed possible signs of sexual abuse when she was found in 1991.
Police handed out posters and flyers featuring a composite sketch of what the child - estimated to be 3 to 5 years old -- might have looked like and offered a $12,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.
As a result, a tip came in from a woman who said she thought she knew Baby Hope's sister and that bit of information reportedly led detectives to the mother of the unidentified child. Law enforcement officials were able to match the child's DNA last week, reports CBS New York.
"A DNA match was made with the mother and the mother has been cooperating," New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said.
The mother, who has not been publicly identified, told detectives an abusive ex-husband had run off with her daughters - Baby Hope and an older girl - in 1990.
Detectives are now trying to locate the father, who may be in Mexico, according to the New York Post.
Police are still encouraging anyone with information about the case to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.