Uncovering the Truth: The Untold Story of Angel Baby Doe and How Othram’s DNA Technology Brought Closure to a 20-Year Cold Case
In November 2001, the lifeless body of a newborn girl was discovered on Briar Oaks Road in Johnson County. The circumstances suggested foul play, prompting an extensive investigation by the sheriff’s office. Despite efforts spanning two decades, the infant remained unidentified.
The death of Angel Baby Doe broke the hearts of the deputies and officers involved in this case. Because she did not have a family to advocate for justice or to grieve for her, they filled that role. They never forgot about her and kept the case alive for over 20 years.
In June 2021, a breakthrough came when the sheriff’s office enlisted Othram’s expertise. Using forensic-grade genome sequencing, Othram successfully developed a DNA profile from the infant’s remains. This enabled their genetic genealogy team to trace familial connections and ultimately identify the infant’s mother as Shelby Stotts.
Stotts has been indicted on multiple charges, including second-degree manslaughter, for allegedly causing her daughter’s death through reckless actions such as leaving her unattended and failing to seek medical care or secure her umbilical cord. The case marks Othram’s fifteenth successful resolution of a cold case in Texas through its DNA technology.
Funding for Othram’s efforts in this and other cases was secured via a DNASolves® crowdfunding initiative, highlighting community support for forensic advancements in criminal investigations. The role of Othram, based in The Woodlands, underscores the importance of scientific advancements in bringing closure to long-standing mysteries and delivering justice to affected families and communities. As legal proceedings against Stotts continue, authorities emphasize the critical role of DNA technology in resolving cold cases and ensuring accountability.
The resolution of Angel Baby Doe’s cold case is a testament to how advanced technology can help bring closure to families who have been searching for answers for years. With their innovative approach to forensic science, Othram continues to make strides in solving some of the most challenging cases across Texas.
As legal proceedings against Shelby Stotts continue, it is clear that DNA technology has played a crucial role in uncovering evidence that would have otherwise remained undiscovered without it. With advances like these continuing to shape our understanding of genetics and criminal investigations alike, we can expect more breakthroughs like this one well into the future.
At its core, this story is about hope – hope that justice will be served even when it seems impossible
