Victim Identified Among Thousands of Remains on Suspected Serial Killer's Property

 

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In 1996, over 10,000 bone fragments were discovered on the Indiana estate of suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister. 

The process of identifying his victims continues to this day.

Authorities believe Baumeister, who outwardly appeared to be a respectable family man, led a double life. 

He allegedly frequented gay bars, picking up men while his wife and children were away on vacation. 

He then took these men to his Westfield, Indiana home, Fox Hollow Farm, where he murdered them and buried their remains on his 18-acre property. 

Officials suspect he could be responsible for more than 25 murders, but he has only been definitively linked to 12.

In June 1996, less than two weeks after the grisly discovery of the remains, Baumeister took his own life, as reported by The New York Times. 

He never faced any charges or admitted to the killings. At the time, he was married with three children.

Herb Baumeister

In late 2022, Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison reignited interest in the case by asking family members of men who disappeared in the Indianapolis area during the ‘80s and ‘90s to provide DNA samples. 

This initiative aimed to determine if any of the missing men were victims of Baumeister, according to USA Today.

On May 22, the Hamilton County Coroner's Office announced the identification of another victim, Jeffrey A. Jones, who had been reported missing in August 1993. 

His remains were identified through extensive forensic genetic genealogy investigation.

Jeffrey A. Jones

Earlier this year, on January 25, the coroner's office also announced the identification of Manuel Resendez, whose remains were found in 1996. 

Additionally, Allen Livingston was identified as another one of Baumeister’s victims through the same process, as reported by CBS News.

According to Jellison, investigators currently have four additional DNA profiles that remain unidentified, bringing the total number of victims to 12. 

"Because many of the remains were found burnt and crushed, this investigation is extremely challenging; however, the team of law enforcement and forensic specialists working the case remain committed," Jellison said in a statement.

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