A body discovered 35 years ago in a Georgia dumpster has been identified as a South Korean woman named Chong Un Kim. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation used DNA analysis to determine her identity. Kim’s cause of death was asphyxiation, but it remains unclear who killed her or dumped her body. Kim’s body had remained unidentified for decades until recently. The GBI is urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. WABE reported
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In a significant breakthrough, authorities have finally identified the body of a South Korean woman who was discovered wrapped in plastic inside a dumpster in Georgia, 35 years ago. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced on Monday that through the utilization of DNA analysis, funded by generous donors, they were able to determine that the remains belonged to Chong Un Kim, a 26-year-old woman at the time of her death.
Although the cause of death was identified as asphyxiation, the circumstances surrounding her demise and the person responsible for her murder, if any, remain unclear. The body was found meticulously wrapped in plastic and secured with duct tape, concealed within a suitcase that had been discarded in a trash bin. Investigators estimated that Kim had been deceased for a period of four to seven days before her body was discovered.
According to the investigation, Kim had relocated to the United States in 1981 and had been residing in Hinesville, a town situated near Fort Stewart, which is approximately 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of Millen, where her body was found. Despite extensive efforts to identify her over the course of several decades, including the examination of fingerprints, dental records, and the creation of a forensic sketch, authorities were unsuccessful. The DNA evidence obtained at the time did not yield any matches, leading to the unidentified body being referred to as “Jane Millen Doe” and “Jenkins County Jane Doe.”
Recently, the GBI sent the DNA evidence to Othram, a Texas-based company specializing in matching DNA with unknown relatives through extensive genetic databases. Othram successfully generated new leads for the GBI, ultimately leading to the identification of Chong Un Kim. The GBI promptly informed Kim’s family about the breakthrough earlier this month, providing them with closure after years of uncertainty.
The crucial work conducted by Othram was made possible through the support of Project Justice, a donor group dedicated to solving cold cases. Their funding enabled Othram to carry out the necessary DNA analysis that ultimately led to the identification of Chong Un Kim.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now appealing to the public for any information regarding Chong Un Kim or the circumstances surrounding her case. Individuals who may have known her or have relevant details are urged to contact the agency at 912-871-1121. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by utilizing the See Something, Send Something mobile app..