The child known as Baby Angel was found with an angel figurine and blue pendant necklace that family members recognized, and, along with multiple rounds of forensic testing, led investigators to 43-year old Jennifer Baechle.
Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude says he's happy to give the community answers after so many years.
"For more than thirteen years, baby angel's tragic death has weighed heavily on the hearts of the Winona community," Says Ganrude, " she deserved better than a watery grave."
An autopsy showed the infant had several skull fractures and was delivered without medical intervention.
Family members told authorities that Baechle, who is married with two children, had been living in a van in Winona at the time.
She is in custody and faces a minimum of 4 years in prison at sentencing.