In a shocking development, authorities have finally identified the remains of Baby Jane Doe, a young child found deceased in Ware County back in 1988. After 35 years of investigation, the child has been identified as Kenyatta "Keke" Odom, a 5-year-old girl. Additionally, her mother, Evelyn Odom, also known as Zmecca Lucina, and her then-boyfriend, Ulyster Sanders, have been indicted on multiple charges related to her death.

The announcement was made during a joint news conference held by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Ware County Sheriff's Office, Dougherty County District Attorney, and other law enforcement agencies. The GBI Special Agent in Charge, Jason Seacrist, disclosed that Kenyatta's remains were discovered on December 21, 1988, inside a television cabinet in Ware County.

The breakthrough in this cold case came in June 2023 when investigators were able to confirm Kenyatta's identity. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children had produced a forensic rendering of what Baby Jane Doe might have looked like, and the comparison to a picture of Kenyatta provided a match. Subsequently, on November 1, a grand jury indicted Kenyatta's mother, Evelyn Odom, and her live-in boyfriend at the time, Ulyster Sanders Sr., on five charges, including felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children, aggravated battery, conspiracy to commit a crime, and concealing the death of another.

The circumstances surrounding Kenyatta's tragic death have not been revealed, and the motive remains undisclosed as well. However, the collaboration between DNA evidence and a tip from the community enabled investigators to trace the family line to Albany, Georgia. District Attorney Greg Edwards of Dougherty County Judicial Court emphasized that the case should be tried in Dougherty County based on the evidence found at the crime scene and an Albany connection.

Ware County Sheriff Carl James recalled the initial discovery of Kenyatta's body, describing it as a heart-wrenching sight. The body of the young girl had been concealed inside a duffel bag, placed within a TV, and encased in concrete. James expressed gratitude for the persistence of investigators and the use of modern DNA technology that contributed to solving this decades-old mystery.

The final breakthrough in identifying Baby Jane Doe came from a community member who had never believed the story that the child had gone to live with her father. This individual provided a vital tip that led investigators to Evelyn Odom and Ulyster Sanders, prompting their arrest on November 9, 2023.

As the legal process unfolds, both Evelyn Odom and Ulyster Sanders will face trial on various charges, including murder, in Dougherty County. Evelyn Odom is currently in custody at Cook County Jail after her arrest in Lenox, and she is expected to be transferred to Dougherty County Jail to await trial.

This case serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of dedicated law enforcement personnel who tenaciously pursue justice even in the face of formidable challenges. The identification of Kenyatta "Keke" Odom after 35 years brings some closure to a tragic cold case that haunted the community for decades.