DNA evidence from a soda bottle has allegedly linked Dianne Curry Peck to the 1985 death of her newborn son found dead in the woods, according to authorities. Peck, aged 59, appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to a murder charge related to her son, known as “Baby Boy Doe” in Mansfield, Massachusetts.
Investigative Breakthrough
The case involves a newborn allegedly abandoned by his mother in the woods, a tragic event remarked on by FBI Boston Special Agent-in-Charge Ted Docks. He highlighted the child’s deprivation of essential care and love, describing it as heart-wrenching. The child’s body, discovered on January 26, 1985, was initially mistaken for a doll by the father-son duo who found him.
An autopsy revealed the baby was alive at birth before dying shortly after. Retired Massachusetts State Police trooper Kenneth Martin described the infant’s condition, noting the umbilical cord was still attached. The Mansfield Police Department, with help from former New England Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan, arranged the baby’s funeral services.
Cold Case Revisited
The case was reopened in 2022 by Bristol County investigators along with the FBI and state authorities. Using forensic genetic genealogy, officials linked the baby’s DNA to Peck. Evidence was gathered from a soda bottle retrieved from her trash.
At the time of the birth, Peck was a high school student. In statements reportedly given to investigators, she recounted giving birth in the backseat of her ex-boyfriend’s car. She believed she had given birth to a daughter and claimed her ex-boyfriend offered the child for adoption. Peck never spoke to him again before his death in 2020.
Legal Proceedings
In court, prosecutors suggested inconsistencies in Peck’s account of events. She reportedly stated the birth occurred on January 20, 1985, but this conflicted with forensic timelines. The medical examiner posited that given the state of the body, the baby had likely been left in the woods for no more than 12 hours before being found.
Authorities continue to pursue further insights, with inquiries directed to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and Peck’s defense attorney. Investigations remain ongoing as this renewed interest sheds light on a disturbing cold case.