In a major breakthrough, authorities have arrested a 56-year-old Georgia woman on felony murder charges nearly 35 years after her 5-year-old daughter was found dead. The girl, known as Baby Jane Doe since her remains were discovered in 1988, has finally been identified as Kenyatta Odom, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced on Monday.

The shocking discovery was made when the child's body was found wrapped in a blanket inside a duffel bag, encased in concrete within a TV cabinet at an illegal dump site near Millwood, Georgia, in Ware County. Despite exhaustive investigative efforts at the time, the girl was unable to be identified and her cause of death remained undetermined.

However, advancements in forensic technology over the years allowed agents to reassess the case. In 2019, agents utilized genome sequencing to uncover a likely family tree from the Albany area, nearly 100 miles away from where Baby Jane Doe's body was found. This breakthrough, combined with a tip from a vigilant citizen who contacted the police following news reports on the anniversary of the girl's death in 2022, finally led to the positive identification of Kenyatta Odom.

"This arrest and identification bring closure to the mystery of Baby Jane Doe. The baby that was callously discarded has been given her true identity, and we are committed to bringing justice to her," stated GBI Special Agent in Charge Jason Seacrist during a news conference.

Arrested without incident, Kenyatta Odom's mother, Evelyn Odom, and her live-in boyfriend at the time of the incident, 61-year-old Ulyster Sanders, now face a range of serious charges. These include felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children, aggravated battery, concealing a death, and conspiracy to conceal the death of another person. The exact nature of their current relationship was not disclosed by officials.

The arrest underscores the tireless dedication of investigators who tirelessly pursued leads and followed hundreds of tips over the course of three and a half decades. While DNA testing was not at the forefront of forensic science in 1988, advancements in technology have made it possible to bring long-overdue justice to victims like Kenyatta.

As the case progresses, authorities remain committed to unveiling the truth behind this tragic murder, ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law. The arrest not only brings closure to the family of Kenyatta Odom but also serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and modern investigative techniques in solving cold cases.