Chong Un Kim wasn’t even 30 years old when she died of asphyxiation in 1988. Now, 35 years later, authorities have finally identified her remains, which were left in a dumpster and found on Valentine’s Day.
Kim moved to the U.S. from Korea in 1981 and settled in Hinesville, Ga., where she was found dead at age 26. According to the Georgia Bureau of Instigation, she was “wrapped with plastic and duct tape,” and found inside a large, nylon suitcase placed in a Jenkins County, Ga., dumpster. When Kim’s remains were found, she had already been dead for around a week.
As authorities investigated the death, they compared her fingerprints and dental records to missing persons data from around the country. Additionally, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation forensic artist created a sketch that was shared with the public, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMUS) opened a case and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) created and disseminated a computer-generated sketch.
“As DNA technology advanced over the years, police resubmitted evidence to the GBI Crime Lab for additional testing,” said the bureau. “Analysts found DNA on the items submitted, but the profiles obtained were not eligible for entry into the CODIS DNA Database.”
However, a break in the case came this year, when the GBI began working with Texas-based Othram, a company that uses advanced DNA testing to solve cases. Othram is a leader in using “Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing” to develop comprehensive genealogical profiles, per the GBI.
The company’s genealogical search finally resulted in Kim’s identification. Her family was notified this month. “Project Justice” funded the DNA testing used to identify the remains.
“The GBI is asking anyone who may have known Chong Un Kim, or has any information about this case, to contact the GBI at 912-871-1121.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app,” said the GBI.
In recent years, advanced in genealogical testing and research have allowed investigators to close long-open cold cases in the U.S. Last summer, Audacy reported on two mothers from different states who were arrested for decades-old cold case murders with the help of DNA testing and last September about the arrest of a murder suspect after more than 30 years.