Almost two decades after the tragic discovery of a newborn's body at Sky Harbor Airport, the suspect accused of her death has been apprehended. Snohomish County, Washington, recently bore witness to the arrest of Annie Anderson, 51, once a name just a whisper in a case that had turned cold, according to ABC15. The infant, known as 'Baby Skylar,' was found in 2005 and Anderson now faces multiple charges including first-degree murder in Maricopa County.
The breakthrough in the 'Baby Skylar' case came, as advancements in investigative genetic genealogy turned to play a pivotal role, linking the suspect through a relative's DNA, 12News reported. Anderson allegedly confessed to abandoning the baby immediately when confronted by law enforcement, though specific details of her statement were not disclosed.
Adding to the gravity of the case, the alleged mother's extradition has been a drawn-out process. After initially resisting her extradition, a Governor's warrant was signed, and Anderson should be returned to Arizona before April 12, as confirmed by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office to ABC15. Her arrest was carried out without incident by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office following a request from Maricopa County's force.
The innovative use of genetic genealogy by law enforcement can't be used to stand alone as evidence in courts, but has proven to be crucial in finding leads on cold cases, Sgt. Troy Hillman, a retired Phoenix police cold case detective, told 12News. Emphasizing the impact of the technique, he noted that “It’s a game changer in terms of technique and actually finding bad guys.” The father of the baby is not believed to be involved in the incident.
Anderson faces charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and concealment of a body, outlined by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office following a recommendation from the Phoenix Police Department. While a specific date for her Arizona appearance has not been set, officials have been clear in their intention to move forward with the proceedings as the justice system seeks closure on a case that has haunted the community for nearly two decades.
