Massachusetts Woman Linked to 1985 Newborn’s Death Through DNA Analysis

DNA evidence from a discarded soda bottle has allegedly connected a Massachusetts woman to the death of her newborn son in 1985. The infant, discovered in the woods by hunters, was initially known as ‘Baby Boy Doe,’ according to authorities.

Dianne Curry Peck, 59, appeared in court recently and entered a not guilty plea to a murder charge linked to the death of her son in Mansfield, Massachusetts. FBI Boston Special Agent-in-Charge Ted Docks expressed the deep sorrow surrounding cases like this: ‘Few cases are more heartbreaking than one involving a newborn baby, allegedly abandoned in the woods, deprived of care, love, and protection.’

The newborn’s body was found on January 26, 1985, by a father and son. Initially mistaking the child for a doll due to the snowy surroundings, they realized it was a naked infant. The autopsy confirmed the child was born alive but died shortly after.

Massachusetts State Police trooper Kenneth Martin recounted the discovery, noting the baby was found lying on its back with the umbilical cord still attached. The Mansfield Police Department, along with former New England Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan, financed the baby’s funeral.

Bristol County investigators reopened the case in 2022, working with the FBI and state authorities to reevaluate the evidence. Forensic genetic genealogy played a crucial role in analyzing the baby’s DNA, directing investigators to Peck. DNA obtained from a soda bottle in her trash ultimately linked her to the child.

At the baby’s birth, Peck was a 17-year-old student at Mansfield High School. She reportedly admitted to giving birth in her ex-boyfriend’s car but claimed he offered to find someone to adopt the child. She believed the baby was a girl and never contacted her ex-boyfriend again. He passed away in 2020.

Prosecutors indicated a lack of evidence that others, including Peck’s ex-boyfriend, were aware of her pregnancy. Peck alleged her child’s birth occurred on January 20, 1985, but prosecutors argued that this did not match the baby’s body condition when found or the freezing temperatures then.

A medical examination suggested the baby had been in the woods for only about 12 hours before being discovered.