In a breakthrough development, a pregnant woman who was found dead in a flooded basement in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1992 has finally been identified. Through the use of forensic genetic genealogy and DNA provided by her father, authorities have confirmed that the woman's name was Tabetha Ann Murlin. The announcement was made by Allen County Coroner Dr. E. Jon Brandenberger during a press conference attended by Murlin's relatives, nearly 32 years after her body was discovered.

Tabetha Ann Murlin, who was approximately 26 weeks pregnant at the time of her death, would have been 23 years old when her decomposed body was found wrapped in a blanket in May 1992. The investigation into her death had hit a dead end, and her body remained unidentified until renewed efforts were made in 2016. In March 2017, her body was exhumed to collect DNA samples for analysis. After a nearly complete DNA profile was extracted, it was uploaded to a database of offenders and later to genealogical databases in January. A forensic genealogy company was able to use this information to identify Murlin's father, late mother, and two aunts.

The identification of Tabetha Ann Murlin was confirmed when her father submitted a sample of his DNA for testing in January. However, the cause and manner of her death are still undetermined, and the investigation into her death is ongoing.

The case had gone cold for many years until it was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System in 2016. The Allen County Coroner's Office shared photos of Murlin during the press conference, along with a timeline detailing the steps taken to uncover her identity.

The identification process involved Chief Deputy Coroner Christopher Meihls meeting with the man believed to be Murlin's father, who provided his DNA to Indiana State Police. The news of his daughter's death came as a shock to him, and he expressed his disbelief at the revelation.

Tabetha Ann Murlin was buried in Lindenwood Cemetery on May 21, 1992. The successful identification of her remains was described as a team effort, involving the coroner's office, state police, and various DNA testing facilities across the country.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the circumstances surrounding Murlin's death to come forward. They can contact the Fort Wayne Police Detective Bureau, Fort Wayne CrimeStoppers, or report an anonymous tip using the P3Tips mobile app.

The case of Tabetha Ann Murlin's death serves as a reminder of the importance of forensic advancements in solving cold cases. Through the use of forensic genetic genealogy and DNA analysis, authorities were able to bring closure to Murlin's family after decades of uncertainty. The investigation into her death continues, with hopes of finally determining the cause and manner of her tragic demise.