After 35 Years, Georgia Cold Case Victim Found: Woman Identified from Human Remains in Suitcase
The lifeless body of Chong Un Kim was discovered concealed within a suitcase, discarded in a dumpster close to Millen, Georgia.
Georgia Cold Case: Unraveling the Mystery of Human Remains Found in a Suitcase After 35 Years
In a haunting and long-standing cold case that has baffled investigators for over three decades, human remains discovered inside a suitcase in Jenkins County, Georgia, in 1988 have finally been identified. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) announced that the remains belong to 26-year-old Chong Un Kim, shedding light on a mystery that has persisted for years.
Chong Un Kim, originally from Korea, had relocated to the United States in 1981 and settled in Hinesville, Liberty County, Georgia. Tragically, her life was cut short in 1988 under circumstances that would remain shrouded in mystery until recently.
The grim discovery that would kickstart this cold case investigation unfolded on February 14, 1988. The Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office reached out to the GBI for assistance in a death investigation after the lifeless body of an unknown woman was found concealed inside a large nylon suitcase. The suitcase, which had been sealed with plastic and duct tape, was unceremoniously discarded in a dumpster near Millen, Georgia. This sinister find raised chilling questions about the identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise.
An autopsy conducted on the remains provided crucial information for investigators. It was determined that the victim had passed away approximately four to seven days prior to the discovery of her remains. The cause of death was asphyxiation, a deeply distressing revelation that further intensified the urgency to identify the victim and bring justice to her memory.
The GBI launched an extensive effort to uncover the victim’s identity. They compared Kim’s fingerprints and dental records with those of other missing individuals throughout the United States, hoping to establish a connection that would lead to answers. As part of their relentless pursuit, a forensic artist was commissioned to create a composite sketch of what the victim might have looked like in life.
The case was also taken up by organizations dedicated to finding missing persons, including the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMUS) and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The NCMEC even created and disseminated a computer-generated sketch of the victim, sharing it with the public in the hopes that someone might recognize her and provide crucial information.
The years passed, and the mystery of the unidentified victim seemed to be locked in time. However, as advancements in DNA technology rapidly progressed, the door to solving this cold case was not entirely shut. In a significant turning point for the investigation, evidence related to the case was reevaluated, and DNA testing was revisited. Although the DNA profiles obtained from the evidence did not qualify for inclusion in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), hope persisted.
The GBI reached out to Othram, Inc., a cutting-edge DNA analysis company headquartered in Woodlands, Texas. Othram is renowned for its advanced DNA testing techniques that have been instrumental in solving countless cold cases. With Othram’s expertise, a genealogical search was initiated, creating leads that would eventually lead to the identification of the long-lost victim as Chong Un Kim.
In a poignant moment for her family and the investigation, the GBI was able to contact Kim’s loved ones in October. After more than three decades of unanswered questions and agonizing uncertainty, they finally learned the fate of their beloved Chong Un Kim.
While this identification brings a measure of closure to Kim’s family, there are undoubtedly more pieces of this intricate puzzle waiting to be revealed. Investigators urge anyone with information related to Chong Un Kim or this cold case to come forward. The GBI can be reached at 912-871-1121, and individuals can choose to leave anonymous tips by calling 800-597-TIPS (8477).
The resolution of this cold case, spanning over 30 years, showcases the incredible advances in DNA technology and forensic techniques that have made it possible to uncover the truth even in the most perplexing mysteries. Chong Un Kim’s memory will live on as a testament to the tenacity of investigators who tirelessly pursued answers and the power of science to unveil long-buried secrets. As this case unfolds, we are reminded that no matter how much time passes, justice can prevail, and the stories of those who have been lost can finally be told.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
