The child, previously known as Baby Jane Doe, was discovered lifeless at an illicit dump site near Millwood, Georgia, in 1988.
Evelyn Odom, a 56-year-old woman from Georgia, has been apprehended on felony murder charges almost 35 years after the tragic death of her 5-year-old daughter, Kenyatta Odom
Special Agent in Charge Jason Seacrist revealed that Kenyatta’s remains were wrapped in a blanket inside a duffel bag encased in concrete within a TV cabinet. Evelyn Odom, along with her then-live-in boyfriend, 61-year-old Ulyster Sanders, was taken into custody without incident. The breakthrough in the case came earlier this year when Kenyatta was positively identified through advanced genome sequencing. The technology, unavailable in 1988, allowed investigators to link the girl to a family tree in the Albany area.
“Forensic technology has changed,” stated Seacrist, highlighting the pivotal role of modern investigative tools
Despite genome testing, Evelyn Odom’s Kenyatta identity remained elusive until a tipster, spurred by news reports on the 2022 anniversary of the incident, contacted the authorities. Evelyn Odom and Sanders now face charges including felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children, aggravated battery, concealing a death, and conspiracy to conceal the death of another person.
The couple was romantically involved at the time of Kenyatta’s demise, but officials have not disclosed their current relationship. Dougherty District Attorney Greg Edwards expressed confidence in the evidence gathered, anticipating justice for Kenyatta. Authorities have yet to unveil a motive in this long-standing and tragic case.
READ ALSO: Smith County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Discovery Of Human Skull In Tyler Residence