WESTFIELD, Ind. — After decades since authorities uncovered thousands of human bones and fragments on the property of a suspected serial killer in Indiana, a new effort is underway to solve the chilling mystery: the identities of the deceased.
A dedicated team has emerged, asserting that obtaining DNA samples from relatives of missing men from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s will be essential for successful identifications.
These samples will be matched with DNA profiles that scientists are currently extracting from remains found beginning in 1996 on the estate of Herbert Baumeister, located in suburban Indianapolis.
The original investigation suggested that more than 25 individuals were buried on Baumeister’s 18-acre Fox Hollow Farm, backed by evidence that included a staggering 10,000 bone fragments alongside handcuffs and shotgun shells.
Unfortunately, Baumeister, a 49-year-old thrift store owner and family man, committed suicide in Canada in July 1996 before he could be interrogated by police, taking his secrets along, including the identities of his presumed victims.
Investigators theorized that during family trips, Baumeister, who frequented local gay bars, would lure men to his home, where he would kill and bury them.
By the late 1990s, authorities successfully identified eight victims using dental records and available DNA technology but hit a dead end, as there remained at least 17 unidentified bodies.
Hamilton County Coroner, Jeff Jellison, explained that funding was not allocated for additional DNA testing at that time, effectively halting further efforts to identify the victims, forcing families to bear the burden of these homicide investigations.
“I can’t speak for those investigators, but it was just game over,” remarked Jellison, emphasizing the lack of resources.
For many years, the remains remained stored in boxes at the University of Indianapolis’ Human Identification Center until a significant breakthrough occurred when Eric Pranger reached out to Jellison via Facebook in late 2022.
His family had long suspected that his older cousin, Allen Livingston, was among Baumeister’s victims. Livingston disappeared in August 1993 after entering a stranger’s car. After Baumeister’s actions came to light, his family suspected he might have been one of the lost.
Pranger’s inquiry came at a crucial moment as Jellison was preparing to assume office, and the opportunity to aid Pranger’s family motivated the coroner.
In late 2022, police collected DNA samples from Sharon Livingston, Allen’s mother, and one of her daughters, leading Jellison to collaborate with a diverse team that included state police, the FBI, local law enforcement, and a forensic genetic genealogy company.
In the Human Identification Center, where the remains are carefully preserved, staff selected promising samples for DNA analysis.
At the Indiana State Police Lab, scientists processed bone samples by freezing and pulverizing them, embarking on a journey to extract a complete DNA profile.
Just under a year after Pranger’s outreach, Jellison announced in October 2023 that Allen Livingston was positively identified as the ninth victim.
Sharon Livingston, who finally received closure, sadly passed away a month later. Pranger expressed his gratitude for being able to help his family obtain closure after so many years.
“It made me happy to do this for my aunt,” said Pranger, reflecting on the emotional journey. Yet after the relief of knowing one identity, he pondered, “Now what? I got answers, but what about all the other families?”
Currently, around 40 DNA samples have been submitted by individuals hoping for answers about missing male relatives linked to Baumeister. These samples are currently stored in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), dedicated to identifying missing individuals only.
Jellison and his team aim to gather more DNA samples from relatives of men who may have gone missing across the U.S. during that time frame, recognizing the possibility that some may have been traveling to sample the nightlife in Indianapolis.
To date, scientists have successfully extracted eight distinct male DNA profiles from over 70 bones sent to the laboratory, with some matching samples from the Livingston family and others corresponding to victims identified in the 1990s.
Unfortunately, the condition of the remaining bones raises concerns about their capacity to yield usable DNA, leading to calls for the retention of degraded fragments for future technological advancements.
Dr. Krista Latham, director of the Human Identification Center and expert in the field, acknowledged that some men may have been estranged from their families or faced ostracism due to their sexuality, which could have contributed to their unreported disappearances.
“These are individuals who were marginalized in life, and we need to ensure they are not overlooked in death,” Latham stated.
Jellison reported having DNA reference samples from most of the eight identified men; however, challenges arose in locating relatives for one of the victims, Steven Hale.
Families eager to assist in the identification process can reach out to the Indiana State Police or the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office for guidance.
As more remains are identified, families have the option of cremating and interring them at a memorial unveiled in August in Westfield, which honors the nine confirmed victims and has space for additional names.
Linda Znachko, who funded the memorial through her Indianapolis-based ministry, expressed her hope that the identification efforts would restore honor to those who suffered as a result of the tragedy. During the memorial ceremony, remains of Livingston and Jeffrey Jones were laid to rest, and white doves were released as a symbol of remembrance.
Shannon Doughty, Livingston’s younger sister, attended the memorial alongside family members. Though stricken with grief, she felt relieved to finally know her brother’s fate.
“At least you know,” Doughty remarked, summarizing the complex emotions of finding closure after a prolonged wait for answers.